Fans fume ‘no wonder crowds are down’ as GAA confirm price hike for All-Ireland

THE GAA have announced price increases for All-Ireland hurling and football finals – with stand tickets reaching a landmark.

The Association made the announcement on Friday, with stand tickets increasing to €100 and terrace tickets to €55.

Ticket prices for quarter-finals and semi-finals will increase by €5.

The GAA said the revenue generated would “increase our club grants for the redevelopment of pitches and club facilities from €3m in 2023 to €4.5m in 2024 and allow the Association to commit to allocating €5m for club facilities in 2025.”

It added that “the additional ticket revenues generated will underpin a continued growth in our investment into Coaching and Games (€12m), Infrastructural Redevelopment of our County Grounds and Venues (€5m) and the continued capacity to assist club infrastructure through the GAA’s Club Development Fund Scheme.”

However, this explanation did nothing to appease fans on social media, who pointed to the disappointing attendances at some of this year’s football championship games at Croke Park.

Last weekend’s All-Ireland SFC tie between reigning champions Dublin and Roscommon drew less than 20,000 people to GAAHQ.

Meanwhile, Dessie Farrell’s men retained the Leinster SFC over Louth in front of a paltry 23,113 people.

This trend led to some fans criticising the decision to increase ticket prices.

Marianne said: “And ye wonder why no one is attending games” while Jack raged: “100 f*****g quid for an all ireland final ticket for an amateur sport.”

Another commented: “Disappointing news coming out today.

“Ticket prices for the final have increased with a terrace now €55 & stand ticket is now €100.

“Ticket prices for quarter-finals and semi-finals will increase by €5 too It was €40 & €80 for final tickets couple years ago”

David Kent from the Irish Examiner tweeted: “Comes in the same month where provincial finals had attendances of 23,113 and 12,059 and only one of eight group stage games broke the 12,000 mark.”

Someone else said: “Peak GAA to announce price increases before announcing time & venues for games in 2 weeks time”

Thomas lamented: “Ridiculous. They’re literally pricing people away from games.”

Seany observed: “Attendances are down. I know what will work lads. Let’s increase the prices!”

Stephen posted: “I fear the GAA have crossed the €100 rubicon there. When attendances are so low in football in particular”