SPORT:TICKETS TO GAA matches are to be sold at tourist offices around the country to boost flagging attendances and give tourists an authentic Irish experience. Tickets will be sold in at least 20 of Fáilte Ireland's tourism offices. The initiative has been developed in conjunction with the GAA.
Fáilte Ireland chief executive Shaun Quinn described the link-up with the GAA as a “no-brainer”. The move was welcomed by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring who said it was a “great step forward”.
“Linking tourism and sport will raise awareness of our Gaelic games both in the domestic and overseas markets as an exciting thing to do while on holiday here; that provides a fun and memorable experience for all the family,” he said.
While tickets will be available for the marquee matches in Croke Park and championship games around the country, local tourism offices will also be pushing club matches in individual counties. Tickets for Croke Park matches will be available through Dublin Tourism’s Suffolk Street office.
The initiative starts this weekend with the football qualifiers on Saturday evening.
It is happening against the backdrop of falling GAA attendances, with the GAA announcing earlier this week that there will be a €5 reduction in prices for the All-Ireland semi-finals compensated for by a €10 increase in prices for the All-Ireland finals, the only matches guaranteed to be sell-outs.
The profile of Gaelic games internationally has improved dramatically since rugby and soccer were allowed in Croke Park in 2007 and the Queen’s recent visit to the venue.
