Qualifier ticket prices cut
However, they could yet face criticism for increasing the price of an All-Ireland senior final ticket from €70 to €80 — a rise of 12.5%.
The GAA explained the higher admission fee: “The All-Ireland finals are significant national events and 80% of all revenues are directed back to our clubs.”
However, a rise in any admission price in the midst of the country’s most serious economic crisis will be condemned by most supporters.
Although the demand for All-Ireland tickets far outstrip supply, it could be seen as a stealth move masked by the €5 cut for all other All-Ireland championship games.
It’s more than likely the decision to charge patrons €80 to the finals has been taken to compensate for the drop in revenue from the €5 drop for games few of which have been sell-outs.
GAA president Christy Cooney said the €5 across-the-board cut reflects the association’s need to keep patrons coming to matches.
“The GAA recognises the need to encourage patrons to attend our games and this price cut signals our intent to ensure our supporters continue to engage with and follow our championship games,” he said.
Prices for the opening round of the GAA All-Ireland qualifiers in both codes, which started on Saturday, have been reduced to €15 for entry to the stand and €10 for terrace.
Juveniles can enter the stand for €5 or the terrace free of charge.
Up until the semi-finals clubs can also avail of group passes for adult members which are €10 each, as well as another group offer where juveniles enter for €3 with one adult gaining free entry for every 10 children.
Meanwhile, Fáilte Ireland yesterday announced they will begin to sell tickets for GAA matches in its tourist information offices around the country.
The new initiative has been developed in an attempt to attract more tourists to Croke Park.
The news is a major boost for the GAA and the stadium who have long been working to get a stronger profile with the tourism board.
Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring welcomed the move, saying there is no better way for visitors to experience Irish culture than attending the national games.
