Replay crowds to pay semi-final ticket prices

ADVANCE sale of tickets for Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final meeting of Kilkenny and Wexford in Croke Park meant that the GAA were unable to consider an accommodation for Cork and Waterford fans who now have to pay the cost of semi-final tickets (€45) for the quarter-final replay.

It amounts to an extra €10 per adult ticket, on top of all the costs that are incurred in travelling to Dublin and further increases the expense for Cork supporters who will attend the footballers’ game on Saturday against Sligo.

According to GAA spokesman, Feargal McGill, the sale of numerous tickets before the arrangements for the quarter-final replay were confirmed ‘hampered’ them in making a gesture.

And, he confirmed that the situation was unlikely to change.

“I am sure there is a perceived injustice that Cork and Waterford people have to pay semi-final prices when they are going up to support their teams in a quarter-final. However, it still represents good value when compared with prices for other big events. And juveniles can see the three games (including the Christy Ring Cup final between Westmeath v Kildare at 12.15pm) for €5.”

Waterford chairman Pat Flynn agreed that it was ‘very unfair’ on supporters. “People are not happy. It’s a pity they couldn’t have done something. It might affect the attendance — and we want all the support we can get.”

According to PRO Bob Ryan, there hadn’t been a major reaction from supporters. It had come ‘more from the media,’ he pointed out.

“I am not defending Croke Park. I’m not sure that there was a whole lot they could have done.”

However, he acknowledged that the price of family and juvenile tickets did represent good value.