GAA President Jarlath Burns has explained the reasons for the increase in all-Ireland ticket prices and claimed most of the money generated will be funnelled back into the games' facilities and coaches.
For the hurling and football finals, terrace tickets will now cost €55, up by €5 from the previous year. Tickets for the All-Ireland semi-finals and quarter-finals will also experience a €5 price hike. Also, all-Ireland final stand ticket prices are now €100, an increase of €10 from 2023. This adjustment marks the first increase in final ticket prices since 2019 and only the second in the past 14 years.
The move has been questioned by fans and pundits of the GAA. Many believe raising prices during a cost-of-living crisis isn't something that benefits anyone but the GAA's pockets.
However, Burns, speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland on Monday, defended the move and made the case that increasing costs will have a more profound and positive effect on other aspects of the game.
"It was a very big move for us to go to three figures, but remember, it's the first time since 2018 we've changed prices. It's only the second time since 2011," said Burns.
"We all know where inflation has gone, but I think our members understand that 83% of everything we earn is ploughed right back into the game. We have 350 coaches; we're spending €7 million on those at the moment. That's going to go up to €12 million. We're increasing that number; we're actually giving them better terms."
EPCR chairman Dominic McKay, left, with Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns and Croke Park Stadium director Peter McKenna before the Investec Champions Cup semi-final match between Leinster and Northampton Saints at Croke Park in Dublin. (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Burns also highlighted that the GAA plans to spend over €5 million on county grounds, while also stating they have already donated huge sums to member clubs.
"Over the next year, we're going to spend €5 million on our county grounds. Last year, we gave €3 million to our clubs in grants. That's going up to €4.5 million next year, and the year after, up to €5 million."
"If you have a child and you're bringing your child to the National League matches, it's free to do so. It was only €5 for a juvenile to get into all of the games in all of the championship matches so far."
However, Burns does admit that paying over 100 euros for a ticket can be quite steep for the All-Ireland finale.
"It is quite good value, but we do understand that €100 is a lot for an All-Ireland final ticket."
