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GAA pricing itself out of the game

  • 22-06-2011 6:16pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭


    I went to the Meath v. Kildare/ Dublin v. Laois a couple of weeks back. First time I was in Croker in ages. Paid €25 for my ticket which I thought wasn't too shabby at all. Stadium was half full though. At half time time I went for something to eat and paid €11.50. for a burger and a pint which was bloody ridiculous. Wont be going again, not worth me while.

    GAA need to wake the f*** up or this time next year there will be more stewards on the pitch or than fans in the stadium.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    Cummybaby wrote: »
    I went to the Meath v. Kildare/ Dublin v. Laois a couple of weeks back. First time I was in Croker in ages. Paid €25 for my ticket which I thought wasn't too shabby at all. Stadium was half full though. At half time time I went for something to eat and paid €11.50. for a burger and a pint which was bloody ridiculous. Wont be going again, not worth me while.

    GAA need to wake the f*** up or this time next year there will be more stewards on the pitch or than fans in the stadium.
    Could not agree more friend, bloody ridiculous that YOU PAID
    11.50 for a burger and a pint. You must have been very hungry and thirsty to fall for that deal. Maybe next time leave the "nutritious" meal deal un sold. They might think twice about charging that price next time when they look at their pile of unsold food and drink.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,220 ✭✭✭bren2001


    Ive always thought the GAA are fair with ticket prices. I can always get enough cash together unlike the soccer or rugby.

    In relation to food? Do they control the price of that? I always assumed it was leased out to a company and they dictate their own prices. (That being said I am always quick to defend the GAA, don't think I've ever said a bad word about them. It is an incredibly bias view and assumption).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,085 ✭✭✭wow sierra


    Thats why you see culchie GAA fans eating the sandwiches out of the back of the car:D:D

    Seriously though prices for food and drinks are always really high at festivals/football games etc. Back in pre celtic tiger days everyone brought sandwiches - I for one have gone back to that.

    I agree tickets can also be a bit dear for families but relative to a lot of other sports/entertainment they are standard enough. Its just with the recession it is hard for people to have money for anything - but the GAA has survived a lot worse than this.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    wow sierra wrote: »
    Thats why you see culchie GAA fans eating the sandwiches out of the back of the car:D:D

    Seriously though prices for food and drinks are always really high at festivals/football games etc. Back in pre celtic tiger days everyone brought sandwiches - I for one have gone back to that.

    I agree tickets can also be a bit dear for families but relative to a lot of other sports/entertainment they are standard enough. Its just with the recession it is hard for people to have money for anything - but the GAA has survived a lot worse than this.
    Sure has survived worse, just been flicking through a GAA book in my local library and chanced upon an action photo of Eddie Keher said to be from an All Ireland Final from 1970s, the old Cusack is behind him and the section thats visible has row after row of empty seats.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭Cummybaby


    padd b1975 wrote: »
    Could not agree more friend, bloody ridiculous that YOU PAID
    11.50 for a burger and a pint. You must have been very hungry and thirsty to fall for that deal. Maybe next time leave the "nutritious" meal deal un sold. They might think twice about charging that price next time when they look at their pile of unsold food and drink.

    Eating a burger and pint is not the point. I use it to illustrate the high level of prices in Croker. Secondly you can take in some sambos and bars etc. with ya but how far will you get with a couple of cans in the rucksack.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,178 ✭✭✭✭billyhead


    Folks,

    Just on an unrelated topic. I decided for the optionw hen getting my match tickets to collect them at the box office for the Leinster Semi Finals on Sunday. Where exactly is it located. Is it the booth at the top of Jones Road?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭legendary.xix


    I think the prices for the games are fair. I haven't seen bad pricing from the games I've gone to. The amount for food is bad alright but you'd want to have been fair hungry to pay it.
    The GAA should work more with Bord Failte, working on encouraging peopple to travel more to counties for weekends and take in a game as well.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    Cummybaby wrote: »
    Eating a burger and pint is not the point. I use it to illustrate the high level of prices in Croker. Secondly you can take in some sambos and bars etc. with ya but how far will you get with a couple of cans in the rucksack.
    Pretty far I would say, lets take All Ireland final day as its a double header with largest gap between games: have yourself a good large early breakfast, a good lunch before minor match, get to the ground for 12 30 minor match start. After the minor match eat whatever food and drink you have brought in and wait for senior match to start, hunger and thirst quenched and 11.50 still in pocket. 5pm approx. Leave ground to celebrate or drown sorrows.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭Cummybaby


    bren2001 wrote: »
    Ive always thought the GAA are fair with ticket prices. I can always get enough cash together unlike the soccer or rugby.

    In relation to food? Do they control the price of that? I always assumed it was leased out to a company and they dictate their own prices. (That being said I am always quick to defend the GAA, don't think I've ever said a bad word about them. It is an incredibly bias view and assumption).

    The GAA have no say in what the food vendors get up to? So if crowds get sick from dodgy sandwiches they can do nothing about it.

    "(That being said I am always quick to defend the GAA, don't think I've ever said a bad word about them. It is an incredibly bias view and assumption)"

    This here I don't understand. I'm not attacking the GAA but the pricing in Croke Park. The fact that the stadium was half empty even when it hosted big name teams like Meath, Kildare, Laois (a bit generous) and Dublin speaks volumes.

    Some of my most cherished memories occurred in and around Croke Park. Some great days I had jumping on the bandwagon of other teams because gaelic never really took off in Monaghan


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    I think the prices for the games are fair. I haven't seen bad pricing from the games I've gone to. The amount for food is bad alright but you'd want to have been fair hungry to pay it.
    The GAA should work more with Bord Failte, working on encouraging peopple to travel more to counties for weekends and take in a game as well.
    Remember reading somewhere this week that the GAA are to start selling tickets in local tourist offices. Sorry Don't have a link as posting from a mobile.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭Cummybaby


    padd b1975 wrote: »
    Pretty far I would say, lets take All Ireland final day as its a double header with largest gap between games: have yourself a good large early breakfast, a good lunch before minor match, get to the ground for 12 30 minor match start. After the minor match eat whatever food and drink you have brought in and wait for senior match to start, hunger and thirst quenched and 11.50 still in pocket. 5pm approx. Leave ground to celebrate or drown sorrows.

    Sounds like good plan from a Croke Park veteran.:D:D:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    Cummybaby wrote: »
    Sounds like good plan from a Croke Park veteran.:D:D:D
    Once bitten twice shy I hope?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,477 ✭✭✭legendary.xix


    padd b1975 wrote: »
    Remember reading somewhere this week that the GAA are to start selling tickets in local tourist offices. Sorry Don't have a link as posting from a mobile.

    I'm looking mroe at, Galway getting a good crowd up from Clare, who make a weekend of it in the county. With Wexford playing in Limerick. The drive should be to encourage people to make a weekend of it there as well.
    Many people to make a weekend of it already away in a town or city ahead of league and championship games. It's something which could be promoted more.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭Cummybaby


    padd b1975 wrote: »
    Once bitten twice shy I hope?

    I still would love a couple of cans of Bud smuggled in with me. My bum isn't big enough though. :D:D:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    billyhead wrote: »
    Folks,

    Just on an unrelated topic. I decided for the optionw hen getting my match tickets to collect them at the box office for the Leinster Semi Finals on Sunday. Where exactly is it located. Is it the booth at the top of Jones Road?
    Try beside Red Parrot pub at the canal bridge on Dorset Street. Thats where the new GAA ticket office is.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,988 ✭✭✭✭kippy


    Stand tickets for the Mayo v Galway Connacht Semi Final are €30 a head.
    I believe other area tickets are €25 with students, children and OAPS coming in at €5.

    While people dont have to go to the matches the GAA are doing themselves no favours in charging this type of money to watch a provincial semi final in a sport where the players themselves don't get paid, benefits from major government funding, has some of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in the national sporting arena, benefits from TV deals and benefits massively at all levels from the support of volunteers.
    It's a massive cost to expect a family travel up from galway (2 adults, 2 kids) paying 60 quid minimum for match tickets, travel costs, and as highlighted above costs of food/drink at the venue. These ticket prices havent come down in the recession at all, if anything they have gone up (for this particular event).

    People here say it compares well with any sporting/entertainment event. The fact is, it doesn't. Essentially you are paying to watch an amateur sport, well financed from others areas benefiting from all of what I mentioned above for approximately 70 minutes.

    Now, there's the excuse above that the GAA have no control over the price of food and drink at the venues. I don't believe that the couldnt do something about it.
    They vendors pay the GAA and not inconsiderable amount for the privilege of their presence in Croker. I had heard the figures before, but they were not minor. The GAA could reduce these charges and insist prices come down as well - they are the organisation that makes the deals, there is no reason pricing couldn't be part of it.

    That said, the market will eventually sort it all out. I have no doubt attendances are down this summer and this will continue to deteriorate so long as ticket prices remain as they are and the prices of food and drink in the venues remains high.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    I'm looking mroe at, Galway getting a good crowd up from Clare, who make a weekend of it in the county. With Wexford playing in Limerick. The drive should be to encourage people to make a weekend of it there as well.
    Many people to make a weekend of it already away in a town or city ahead of league and championship games. It's something which could be promoted more.
    A laudable idea no doubt. However, getting people to spend on match tickets alone is becoming an ever increasing problem, maybe tie in GAA advertising with tourist ads in overseas countries?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    kippy wrote: »
    Stand tickets for the Mayo v Galway Connacht Semi Final are €30 a head.
    I believe other area tickets are €25 with students, children and OAPS coming in at €5.

    While people dont have to go to the matches the GAA are doing themselves no favours in charging this type of money to watch a provincial semi final in a sport where the players themselves don't get paid, benefits from major government funding, has some of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in the national sporting arena, benefits from TV deals and benefits massively at all levels from the support of volunteers.
    It's a massive cost to expect a family travel up from galway (2 adults, 2 kids) paying 60 quid minimum for match tickets, travel costs, and as highlighted above costs of food/drink at the venue. These ticket prices havent come down in the recession at all, if anything they have gone up (for this particular event).

    People here say it compares well with any sporting/entertainment event. The fact is, it doesn't. Essentially you are paying to watch an amateur sport, well financed from others areas benefiting from all of what I mentioned above for approximately 70 minutes.

    Now, there's the excuse above that the GAA have no control over the price of food and drink at the venues. I don't believe that the couldnt do something about it.
    They vendors pay the GAA and not inconsiderable amount for the privilege of their presence in Croker. I had heard the figures before, but they were not minor. The GAA could reduce these charges and insist prices come down as well - they are the organisation that makes the deals, there is no reason pricing couldn't be part of it.

    That said, the market will eventually sort it all out. I have no doubt attendances are down this summer and this will continue to deteriorate so long as ticket prices remain as they are and the prices of food and drink in the venues remains high.
    Have not been to new stand in Castlebar yet. Think the 11.50 for a burger and pint is just a croker thing. 25 is a little on the steep side maybe 20 for a semi final as ground is all seat remember. Don't think any reasonable person can complain about 5 euro for kids to be fair.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,988 ✭✭✭✭kippy


    padd b1975 wrote: »
    Have not been to new stand in Castlebar yet. Think the 11.50 for a burger and pint is just a croker thing. 25 is a little on the steep side maybe 20 for a semi final as ground is all seat remember. Don't think any reasonable person can complain about 5 euro for kids to be fair.

    I amn't complaining about the kids prices to be fair - but long gone are the days of kids getting in for free.

    I think 20 quid is still steep for the situation to be honest.

    Edit: yep the issue with high food and drink prices may only be a Croke Park thing but to use the fact that the GAA have nothing to do with it, is, in my opinion giving them too easy an excuse.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    kippy wrote: »
    I amn't complaining about the kids prices to be fair - but long gone are the days of kids getting in for free.

    I think 20 quid is still steep for the situation to be honest.
    what can I say?? Vote with your feet. Nothing like the sight of empty seats to get the bean counters attention.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,988 ✭✭✭✭kippy


    padd b1975 wrote: »
    what can I say?? Vote with your feet. Nothing like the sight of empty seats to get the bean counters attention.

    I have no intention of going, haven't been to a paid for GAA match in 3 years + at this stage. Nothing like the sofa with a few cans, replays and food on demand.
    ;)

    Was just highlighting what I think are the main issues with why people aren't going as much.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,588 ✭✭✭Bluetonic


    Dublin season ticket football.

    Cost in December €75.

    Games so far:
    • 7 Division One Football Games
    • (4 Home)
    • (3 Away)
    • 1 League Final
    • 2 Division One Hurling Games
    • 1 Second Round Leinster Championship Game

    That's €8.33 per event, three of those events having two senior games.

    Two more senior games on Sunday for €25 (€5 discount for season ticket holders). Plus the option to opt out of any forthcoming game (if one was that way inclined).

    Guaranteed a final ticket should wonders of wonders occur.

    Excellent seats at all matches in Croke Park.

    Personally speaking, for the third season in a row, the GAA are offering ME terrific value.

    I also understand that ancillary services are out of the control of the GAA and should not be factored into anything.

    From a personal view point I'd say keep the tickets prices high to keep away the fair weather fans, no loss (tongue in cheek).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    Bluetonic wrote: »
    Dublin season ticket football.

    Cost in December €75.

    Games so far:
    • 7 Division One Football Games
    • (4 Home)
    • (3 Away)
    • 1 League Final
    • 2 Division One Hurling Games
    • 1 Second Round Leinster Championship Game

    That's €8.33 per event, three of those events having two senior games.

    Two more senior games on Sunday for €25 (€5 discount for season ticket holders). Plus the option to opt out of any forthcoming game (if one was that way inclined).

    Guaranteed a final ticket should wonders of wonders occur.

    Excellent seats at all matches in Croke Park.

    Personally speaking, for the third season in a row, the GAA are offering ME terrific value.

    I also understand that ancillary services are out of the control of the GAA and should not be factored into anything.

    From a personal view point I'd say keep the tickets prices high to keep away the fair weather fans, no loss (tongue in cheek).
    Jesus horse,
    you were going great up until the last paragraph.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,588 ✭✭✭Bluetonic


    padd b1975 wrote: »
    Jesus horse,
    you were going great up until the last paragraph.
    ha ha of course the last comment is not serious!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 112 ✭✭jclally


    The deal the dubs did for the league was great. Back to reality in the championship though.

    Take a clare fan going to thurles last week with 2-3 kids... pricey enough


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    jclally wrote: »
    The deal the dubs did for the league was great. Back to reality in the championship though.

    Take a clare fan going to thurles last week with 2-3 kids... pricey enough
    how much?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 417 ✭✭The Maverick


    billyhead wrote: »
    Folks,

    Just on an unrelated topic. I decided for the optionw hen getting my match tickets to collect them at the box office for the Leinster Semi Finals on Sunday. Where exactly is it located. Is it the booth at the top of Jones Road?

    Ticket collections are at the GAA ticket outlet opposite Gill's Pub at the junction of the North Circular Road and Jones Road. Don't go to Dorset street as suggested above, they will just send you to Gill's.
    On topic, €11.50 is a rip-off for food but any stadium/ festival bought food always is. Either bring your own or wait until after the match.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,839 ✭✭✭✭padd b1975


    Ticket collections are at the GAA ticket outlet opposite Gill's Pub at the junction of the North Circular Road and Jones Road. Don't go to Dorset street as suggested above, they will just send you to Gill's.
    On topic, €11.50 is a rip-off for food but any stadium/ festival bought food always is. Either bring your own or wait until after the match.
    Oops! My mistake.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭Cummybaby


    Ticket collections are at the GAA ticket outlet opposite Gill's Pub at the junction of the North Circular Road and Jones Road. Don't go to Dorset street as suggested above, they will just send you to Gill's.
    On topic, €11.50 is a rip-off for food but any stadium/ festival bought food always is. Either bring your own or wait until after the match.

    If i went to see U2 at a concert or a European Qualifier with Ireland I would expect to pay those prices. But what really gets my goat is that if you look any advertisements associated with the GAA it is all about the community coming together - the young kid putting on the football boots, the old man painting lines on a field etc. But the reality is is that they are just another money hungry organisation.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,038 ✭✭✭penexpers


    Cummybaby wrote: »
    If i went to see U2 at a concert or a European Qualifier with Ireland I would expect to pay those prices. But what really gets my goat is that if you look any advertisements associated with the GAA it is all about the community coming together - the young kid putting on the football boots, the old man painting lines on a field etc. But the reality is is that they are just another money hungry organisation.

    .
    The GAA’s financial accounts for 2010 were launched in Croke Park on Tuesday, March 8 by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthcleas Gael Criostór Ó Cuana and Ard Stiúrthóir Páraic Ó Dufaigh.

    Despite the challenging economic conditions, the GAA announced revenues of €58m, down from €68m in 2009, which can, in the main, be attributed to a drop in revenue of €9m (from €13m down to €4m) from the rental of Croke Park to the FAI and the IRFU.

    Approximately 80 percent of the revenues were recycled directly to other units within the Association, with Clubs, counties and provinces receiving €48m from Central Council throughout the course of the year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,988 ✭✭✭✭kippy


    penexpers wrote: »
    .

    You forgot to add the salaries of the top guys - those guys dont come cheap......


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,038 ✭✭✭penexpers


    kippy wrote: »
    You forgot to add the salaries of the top guys - those guys dont come cheap......

    Christy Cooney is paid whatever he would have earned in what job he came from - I believe he is paid 150,000 per year or so but I believe Nicky Brennan was only paid 70,000 a year or so.

    How much does John Delaney get again?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,988 ✭✭✭✭kippy


    penexpers wrote: »
    Christy Cooney is paid whatever he would have earned in what job he came from - I believe he is paid 150,000 per year or so but I believe Nicky Brennan was only paid 70,000 a year or so.

    How much does John Delaney get again?

    Don't get me started on the FAI..........


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭Cummybaby


    Old Trafford charges crazy prices as well but that is understandable given the huge weekly wage bill it has to pay out same as all Premier League Clubs. In relation to Croker - where does the money go?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,085 ✭✭✭wow sierra


    Cummybaby wrote: »
    Old Trafford charges crazy prices as well but that is understandable given the huge weekly wage bill it has to pay out same as all Premier League Clubs. In relation to Croker - where does the money go?

    I think you will find the answer in a previous post from Penexpers
    Quote:
    The GAA’s financial accounts for 2010 were launched in Croke Park on Tuesday, March 8 by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthcleas Gael Criostór Ó Cuana and Ard Stiúrthóir Páraic Ó Dufaigh.

    Despite the challenging economic conditions, the GAA announced revenues of €58m, down from €68m in 2009, which can, in the main, be attributed to a drop in revenue of €9m (from €13m down to €4m) from the rental of Croke Park to the FAI and the IRFU.

    Approximately 80 percent of the revenues were recycled directly to other units within the Association, with Clubs, counties and provinces receiving €48m from Central Council throughout the course of the year.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭Grudaire


    Cummybaby wrote: »
    Old Trafford charges crazy prices as well but that is understandable given the huge weekly wage bill it has to pay out same as all Premier League Clubs. In relation to Croker - where does the money go?

    If you're bothered searching at all the GAA accounts are very open. You can find them on the website.
    However it would seem to me that your mind is already made up on the matter. The GAA as an organisation is expensive to run. Clubs around the country have facilities that other sporting organisations would die for.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭Cummybaby


    Cliste wrote: »
    If you're bothered searching at all the GAA accounts are very open. You can find them on the website.
    However it would seem to me that your mind is already made up on the matter. The GAA as an organisation is expensive to run. Clubs around the country have facilities that other sporting organisations would die for.

    Are you sure that last bit wasn't meant to be "other sporting organisations would die before replicating" Because as I far as I can see, the GAA are going to have a tough task financing all those expensive and ambitious grounds dotted around the country. For instance McHale Park in Mayo.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭Grudaire


    Cummybaby wrote: »
    Are you sure that last bit wasn't meant to be "other sporting organisations would die before replicating" Because as I far as I can see, the GAA are going to have a tough task financing all those expensive and ambitious grounds dotted around the country. For instance McHale Park in Mayo.

    ... However it would seem to me that your mind is already made up on the matter. ... :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭Cummybaby


    Cliste wrote: »
    ... However it would seem to me that your mind is already made up on the matter. ... :pac:

    If you keep repeating that sentence you might just be able to hide your inability to argue/defend your point of view.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,620 ✭✭✭Grudaire


    In fairness if we look back through the thread we see people replying to your questions (Penexpers and sierra both quote you, and give a direct response to your valid question, yet they get the honour of being politely ignored). Consider any repitition as a second chance to consider a point ;)
    Cummybaby wrote: »
    If you keep repeating that sentence you might just be able to hide your inability to argue/defend your point of view.

    Ionically you actually answered your own question by saying that "the GAA are going to have a tough task financing all those expensive and ambitious grounds dotted around the country."

    Perhaps this is where the ticket prices are going? :rolleyes:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 ✭✭Cummybaby


    Cliste wrote: »
    If you're bothered searching at all the GAA accounts are very open. You can find them on the website.
    However it would seem to me that your mind is already made up on the matter. The GAA as an organisation is expensive to run. Clubs around the country have facilities that other sporting organisations would die for.

    First you tell him how great the GAA facilities are. Then you agree with me that the GAA is having trouble financing the very same facilities "other sporting organisations would die for"

    Well I'm glad I answered my own question because I would hate to depend on you to answer it for me.

    Finally I'm going to give this a go. Let me know if I have done it correctly. Here goes: "However it would seem to me that your mind is already made up on the matter". Wow that was so easy. :pac:


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,921 ✭✭✭Gophur


    My elderly parents were charged €54 to get into a match recently. Utterly outrageous money to be taking from pensioners.

    €80 now for an All Ireland final. GAA is gouging fans.

    Look at the costs on Cork(or Kerry) GAA people. It must surely cost over €200 for a man to bring himself an one or two children to Croker for a game, and well over that for a final.

    Pointless comparing the event to any other sport, the GAA is the one organisation that prides itself on its grass-roots structure yet is doing so much to harm the same supporters.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,559 ✭✭✭UpTheSlashers


    Gophur wrote: »
    My elderly parents were charged €54 to get into a match recently. Utterly outrageous money to be taking from pensioners.

    €80 now for an All Ireland final. GAA is gouging fans.

    Look at the costs on Cork(or Kerry) GAA people. It must surely cost over €200 for a man to bring himself an one or two children to Croker for a game, and well over that for a final.

    Pointless comparing the event to any other sport, the GAA is the one organisation that prides itself on its grass-roots structure yet is doing so much to harm the same supporters.

    (1) Which Match?

    (2) €80 for the biggest event of the year is great value for fans of Hurling and Football in their respective counties.

    (3) Organise a bus if your worried about travel costs, works out very cheap.

    (4) Reducing prices for most games and letting in kids for next to nothing...the bastards!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,100 ✭✭✭Browney7


    Cummybaby wrote: »
    I went to the Meath v. Kildare/ Dublin v. Laois a couple of weeks back. First time I was in Croker in ages. Paid €25 for my ticket which I thought wasn't too shabby at all. Stadium was half full though. At half time time I went for something to eat and paid €11.50. for a burger and a pint which was bloody ridiculous. Wont be going again, not worth me while.

    GAA need to wake the f*** up or this time next year there will be more stewards on the pitch or than fans in the stadium.

    Its the biggest Recession to ever hit the country and peoples disposable incomes have been reduced dramatically. I went to see Ireland play northern Ireland in a friendly and the stadium was less than half full and I paid €30 and the match was meaningless. Professional organisation yes but 25 quid for 2 games that actually mean something ain't bad value.

    Again the GAA get paid by outside companies for pitches to sell food. Why should the GAA do itself out of money? Oxegen and the Aviva are dearer for food and drink.
    padd b1975 wrote: »
    how much?

    A dad and 2 kids would have got into the Gaelic grounds to watch tipp and clare for 40 quid in the covered stand. Price of Petrol to get them to and from Ennis would have been around fifteen quid. A pint in a bar on the Ennis road would cost a fiver. A lot of people would gladly piss away 25 quid 5/6 pints on a friday night and yet go cribbing when they can get into a terrace at a game for 15 quid.
    Cummybaby wrote: »
    If i went to see U2 at a concert or a European Qualifier with Ireland I would expect to pay those prices. But what really gets my goat is that if you look any advertisements associated with the GAA it is all about the community coming together - the young kid putting on the football boots, the old man painting lines on a field etc. But the reality is is that they are just another money hungry organisation.

    But the GAA should be the only non money grabbing organisation and be the only ones to force outside agencies to reduce their prices for food. Makes sense. Funny, I've seen Kevin Doyle in ads on TV for FAI soccer summer camps. Looks like the real community experience too.
    penexpers wrote: »
    Christy Cooney is paid whatever he would have earned in what job he came from - I believe he is paid 150,000 per year or so but I believe Nicky Brennan was only paid 70,000 a year or so.

    How much does John Delaney get again?

    This is spot on. Think Liam O'Neill is costing a hell of a lot less than Cooney.
    Cummybaby wrote: »
    Old Trafford charges crazy prices as well but that is understandable given the huge weekly wage bill it has to pay out same as all Premier League Clubs. In relation to Croker - where does the money go?

    I've heard Christy Cooney is building a mansion made of gold down in Youghal and throwing massive parties with Kristale on tap for all the GAA heads. I've even heard Liam O'Neill has been taking money from GAA coffers and bought votes to become next GAA president and they've been backing Sean Kelly for next president of Ireland.

    If the GAA got half as much as Man Utd got in TV money from Sky Sports there would be 60000 seater stadiums in every county and everyone would be let in for free.

    Look if the GAA were to reduce tickets to a tenner they still wouldn't fill the stadia because other costs are too great for families. A lot of people have no money left and are struggling to pay bills as it is. Maybe the GAA have found their equilibrium price using the supply and demand principle.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,921 ✭✭✭Gophur


    (1) Which Match?

    ......

    Doesn't matter which match. It was too much.

    ..........
    (2) €80 for the biggest event of the year is great value for fans of Hurling and Football in their respective counties.

    ..........

    It's not "great value". It's too expensive.
    There is no justification for any increase in the current economic climate.

    ......

    (3) Organise a bus if your worried about travel costs, works out very cheap.

    .............

    I'll organise no bus.
    I was referring to people from Cork and Kerry, whose teams frequent Croke Park frequently, with the costs associated. Do you know how far Castletownbere is from Dublin, for example? (It's 150km to Mitchelstown, and that's half the trip, still in their own county.) Or Waterville?

    ........
    (4) Reducing prices for most games and letting in kids for next to nothing...the bastards!

    What?


    The GAA is a (so-called) Amateur organisation. The ordinary supporter will forgo any club developments for the next few years, if that's what it takes, but there's no justification for raising prices.

    A hell of a lot of people are taking one hell of an amount of money out of the GAA and expect the ordinary man to dip his hand in his pocket all the time.

    Paying Christy Cooney's €150k salary, for a start, is a joke.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,025 ✭✭✭problemchimp


    Myself and my 8 year old daughter are going to the Dubs v Kildare on Sunday. 2 matches 30 euro. great value! In the meantime my daughter plays a match every Saturday and trains on Thursday in her club with fabulous facilities and great coaches and that costs nothing. That's where the money goes, to the community. If you want burgers go to the chipper, if you want sporting value for money, go to Croke park or indeed any county ground around the country.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,921 ✭✭✭Gophur


    My kids avail of GAA facilities, but they don't cost nothing. I have no problem contributing a fair amount to my local club. I do have a problem with the "extortionate" amount (my words) being charged by the County Boards, Provincial Councils and Croke Park.

    What price is Breffni Park on Saturday? Granted there are two games, but most all the spectators will only be there for one team.

    How about this for GAA Corporate greed/bullying?
    http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=150238

    Absolutely ridiculous and, once again, shows sheer and utter contempt for the Club.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,025 ✭✭✭problemchimp


    Gophur wrote: »
    My kids avail of GAA facilities, but they don't cost nothing. I have no problem contributing a fair amount to my local club. I do have a problem with the "extortionate" amount (my words) being charged by the County Boards, Provincial Councils and Croke Park.

    What price is Breffni Park on Saturday? Granted there are two games, but most all the spectators will only be there for one team.

    How about this for GAA Corporate greed/bullying?
    http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=150238

    Absolutely ridiculous and, once again, shows sheer and utter contempt for the Club.
    Do you really think 30euro is extortianate for father and daughter to attend Croke park for two championship matches?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,921 ✭✭✭Gophur


    Do you really think 30euro is extortianate for father and daughter to attend Croke park for two championship matches?

    Yep.

    Who, in all fairness, wants to see both Carlow v Wexford and Dublin v Kildare?
    Very few, if any, so packaging it as €30 for 2 games is disingenuous.

    In any case, I voted with my feet/wallet and don't support these prices.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,025 ✭✭✭problemchimp


    Gophur wrote: »
    Yep.

    Who, in all fairness, wants to see both Carlow v Wexford and Dublin v Kildare?
    Very few, if any, so packaging it as €30 for 2 games is disingenuous.

    In any case, I voted with my feet/wallet and don't support these prices.
    Fair enough, if you think 30 euro for a full afternoons sporting entertainment for two people in one of the finest stadiums in Europe is extortionate then maybe GAA is not the best pastime for you.


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