AHEAD of the 2025 season, the GAA has moved to impose a charge for U16 spectators attending some senior hurling and football matches.
The previously free admission tickets now cost €5 and can only be purchased along- side an adult ticket. This new cost is only applicable for matches in Divisions 1 and 2 for the National Football League and Divisions 1A and 1B for the hurling equivalent.
In a statement, the GAA explained: “This new ar- rangement has been intro- duced after consultation with our counties and to assist with event control and health and safety protocols for fixtures that attract bigger attendances.”
All other ticket prices re- main unchanged for the up- coming season.
On Monday at the monthly County Council meeting, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) put forward a motion for Clare County Council to call on the GAA to reverse this decision.
“This levy is aimed at the top 2 divisions in hurling and football. It is nothing but a money-making racket at a time when the GAA’s pocket has never been heavier” said Cllr Murphy.
Clarecastle native Murphy believes that this extra charge will discourage attendance and engagement with the GAA. The added condition that a U16 ticket may only be pur- chased with an adult ticket will further discourage underage players and their families from participating in GAA matches as well as taking away teenagers’ independence.
“We are the home county of Michael Cusack, a founding member of the GAA and I’m sure Cusack would be turn- ing in his grave if he heard of this” said Murphy.
Cllr. Tony O’Brien shared his support and agrees that this extra cost on families could impact the communities engagement with the GAA. “I think it’s a cynical move by the GAA based on an isolated incident. I think it’s going to discourage participation and attendance.”
Cllr Pat Burke also shared his support for the motion to reverse the decision made by the GAA. He expressed that he believes that this change was made due to an isolated health and safety incident and Clare supporters should not be punished for the actions of other clubs.
