Fan zones under consideration in Armagh for All Ireland final

Family-friendly fan zones could be put in place for the thousands of Armagh fans unable to get their hands on All-Ireland final tickets.

The ticket hunt is underway as the orchard men prepare to take on Galway at Croke Park on Sunday July 28.

It is feared tickets will be harder to come by for the final than they were for the semi, in which Armagh fans outnumbered Kerry significantly.

Armagh councillor Thomas O’Hanlon has urged Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council to implement fan zones in Armagh, Portadown and Lurgan for those unable to attend the game.

Mr O’Hanlon explained: “For GAA fans reaching the All-Ireland Final is the holy grail and for those of us from the orchard county it doesn’t come around too often.

“Croke Park will be packed to the rafters with over eighty thousand fans, there will be many who wont be able to travel to Dublin for the final. Also, with tickets priced at €100 per person this will put a day in Dublin out of the reach of many families and we want to ensure they don’t miss out on the whole atmosphere.

“I have asked the council’s chief executive and directors to urgently investigate the possibility of creating fan zones to allow those who can’t attend the match in Dublin for whatever the reason to come together and support the lads in orange and white. This is a phenomenal occasion and council can’t sit this one out.”

Armagh fans were known the length and breadth of Ireland and beyond for their passion and dedication to their team, he added.

“They are unbelievable, and the atmosphere will be electric,” Mr O’Hanlon said.

“This is a truly historic occasion, and we all want to be part of it. It’s about making memories and I want the council to be part of that journey. We also hope to be planning for a very special homecoming with a very coveted piece of silverware, so I have put that on officer’s radar as well.

“This month we have seen the Euros grip the imagination of sports fans, councils and local authorities across the continent have embraced the opportunity, for those of us who are GAA fans, this is our Euros or our World Cup, council cannot not play its part.”

Mayor Sarah Duffy confirmed that the council is exploring options.

“The creation of fan zone spaces will ensure that families in particular can enjoy watching the game in a fun filled, safe and exciting atmosphere”, she said.

“In the interest of fairness and inclusivity, my councillor colleagues are currently exploring options with council chiefs and the GAA to look at family friendly fan zones so that everyone can hopefully witness the Armagh team bring Sam home for the first time in two decades.”