Can you afford the Hat, Flag and Headband This Summer?
Talking Balls Comments
The recent decision by the GAA authorities to reduce ticket prices by five Euro per ticket was, how shall we put it, a bit miserly to say the least. Especially given the economic situation which we find ourselves in. In practical terms five euro would buy you nothing more than a burger and drink or a programme. Given the enhanced marketing nous within the GAA with Directors Of Communication in post, commercial departments and media liaisons officers, do they really think that what amounts to a free programme is going to entice supporters from far flung parts of Ireland to Croke Park.
At Talking Balls we believe that the GAA has no problem with its product but that it needs to look at the way it is marketed. Whether this is ticket reductions to entice fans off their backsides, away from the television and into a ground or whatever, these things need to be looked at. Already Munster have revealed they will be freezing ticket prices from last year.
Croke Park looked and sounded half empty for the national league final. The lack of atmosphere in the stands was topped only by the indifferent fare on show on the field. Likewise a Talking Balls associate went on a pilgrimage to watch his native Antrim in Longford. Whoever dreamed up the location, and more importantly the throw in times obviously didn’t pay much heed to the time of year. By all accounts Down and Tipperary would have needed night vision goggles had the game gone to a further period of extra time and not been settled by a late score.
Christy Cooney, who has made a promising start to his Uachtaranship seems to be a little out of touch when he said: “Prices are there but let’s see. We’re not going to make a judgement call today as to what we’re going to do. We’ll always look at what’s right. We’re conscious of our supporters. They were fabulous throughout the National League and we reduced our prices for the National Football League final in recognition of the support we got.”
He also said he would monitor the situation. Well, we’ll all do our bit to go to the games but let’s hope the PTB do their bit to meet us part way along the road.
