“Coming just before Christmas, this was the GAA acting the Grinch.”
The GAA have come in for some stinging criticism, following the release of ticket prices for the upcoming Allianz Leagues, with Pat Spillane the latest to put the organisation on blast.
Adults will be charged €20 for the top-two divisions in both codes, with deals for six and three match packages, while seniors/students will be charged €15.
The lower divisions sees €10 adult tickets, and €8 for senior/student.
While these numbers seem quite low compared to the likes of top-level rugby, many GAA fans have been highly critical of price increases.
The most controversial element of the ticketing options is the introduction of a €5 charge for U16s for the top-two divisions matches, rather than free entry.
The GAA explained the change: “There will be a change in juvenile pricing. Children’s Tickets (U16) will be €5 for all Division 1 and Division 2 Fixtures in football and Division 1A & 1B in hurling.
“These tickets can only be purchased alongside an adult ticket.
“This new arrangement has been introduced after consultation with our counties and to assist with event control and health and safety protocols for fixtures that attract bigger attendances.
“It will not apply for Divisions 3 & 4 in football or Divisions 2 & 3 in hurling.
“A juvenile charge may also apply to other fixtures if required due to capacity.”
Gaa are boiling the frog slowly. Tine for people to vote with their feet and abandon games. They clearly have contempt for supporters, so it's best to curtail things now.
— The Earth revolves around the Sun.. (@MykeVw) December 10, 2024
They the gaa hi rockey will be left scratching there head's,🤔 outrageous charging €20 and €5 for under 16s there finding it hard at the best of times to get people through the gate winter hurling and football!!! @DanielHussey2
— Liam Toohey (@LiamToohey6) December 9, 2024
In his latest column for the Irish Independent, Kerry legend Pat Spillane went as far as to compare the GAA to the Grinch.
He wrote: “The GAA’s decision to charge €5 for a juvenile to attend Division 1 and 2 football league matches and Division 1A and 1B hurling league ties in 2025 is my first low.
“Coming just before Christmas, this was the GAA acting the Grinch.
“Of course, they hid behind the usual weasel words, and I quote, to ‘assist event control and health and safety, particularly for fixtures that attract bigger attendances’.
“I think it’s a short-sighted approach at a time when attendances are declining. We need kids and families; they are our core; they are our future.”
