Casement Park in line for major overhaul - 40,000 all seater Stadium.

[trueblue1234]

I agree entirely that it's embarrassing but with my legal head on there's a very strong argument that it's a clear breach of contract case. So I'd expect a quiet settlement.

How?


"In the event that the number of Season Ticket holders exceeds stadium capacity the GAA offers no guarantee of the availability of seats or entry to that fixture".

Exactly. In this case it doesn't. The capacity is above (by a couple of hundred) the number of season tickets. The email from the GAA admits that. The reason that season ticket holders aren't all being accommodated is because other groups, media, sponsors and county boards etc are.

Again I want to be very clear I am not condoning this in anyway. I am saying from the point of view of a purely contract law position I don't believe the GAA's terms and conditions protect them in this instance.

These other groups promote, organise maintain our games, in this case probably slightly more deserving of a ticket than 8 people who, we'll let's be honest more than likely bought a season ticket this year to secure a final ticket. There would be no game without these groups

Legally, how do they have a strong case? They'll be laughed out the door as they should be

Legally. If a person contracts with the GAA for certain services namely tickets to certain matches and a guaranteed right to purchase further tickets for other specified matches and the GAA then unilaterally alters that contract then a person is entitled to sue for either specific performance (which I don't think they've done I could be wrong) or damages for breach of contract.

I'm actually struggling to see a defence to it.

As for sponsors being more deserving than supporters I'm not sure I agree.

Other groups yes I do.

It is literally in the terms and conditions as posted previously

"In the event that the number of Season Ticket holders exceeds stadium capacity the GAA offers no guarantee of the availability of seats or entry to that fixture".

Yes. That would be a defence if the number of season tickets had exceeded stadium capacity but it's been accepted that they don't.
[/

I agree entirely that it's embarrassing but with my legal head on there's a very strong argument that it's a clear breach of contract case. So I'd expect a quiet settlement.

How?


"In the event that the number of Season Ticket holders exceeds stadium capacity the GAA offers no guarantee of the availability of seats or entry to that fixture".

Exactly. In this case it doesn't. The capacity is above (by a couple of hundred) the number of season tickets. The email from the GAA admits that. The reason that season ticket holders aren't all being accommodated is because other groups, media, sponsors and county boards etc are.

Again I want to be very clear I am not condoning this in anyway. I am saying from the point of view of a purely contract law position I don't believe the GAA's terms and conditions protect them in this instance.

These other groups promote, organise maintain our games, in this case probably slightly more deserving of a ticket than 8 people who, we'll let's be honest more than likely bought a season ticket this year to secure a final ticket. There would be no game without these groups

Legally, how do they have a strong case? They'll be laughed out the door as they should be

Legally. If a person contracts with the GAA for certain services namely tickets to certain matches and a guaranteed right to purchase further tickets for other specified matches and the GAA then unilaterally alters that contract then a person is entitled to sue for either specific performance (which I don't think they've done I could be wrong) or damages for breach of contract.

I'm actually struggling to see a defence to it.

As for sponsors being more deserving than supporters I'm not sure I agree.

Other groups yes I do.

It is literally in the terms and conditions as posted previously

"In the event that the number of Season Ticket holders exceeds stadium capacity the GAA offers no guarantee of the availability of seats or entry to that fixture".

Yes. That would be a defence if the number of season tickets had exceeded stadium capacity but it's been accepted that they don't.

The GAA could argue that stadium capacity if what's left minus the requirements to run and host the game which includes player tickets, sponsors etc. As in those going to general public.

[Wildweasel74]

I been to a few gigs cancelled, money refunded. So are supporters looking their season ticket refunded and no further use of season ticket. for future tickets this year? There not get into 7 league games already with it. They haven't paid a ticket for the Antrim game so technically are not at loss. Did the text on the initial ticket purchase, say you were entitled to the option of a ticket every game?

[David McKeown]

I been to a few gigs cancelled, money refunded. So are supporters looking their season ticket refunded and no further use of season ticket. for future tickets this year? There not get into 7 league games already with it. They haven't paid a ticket for the Antrim game so technically are not at loss. Did the text on the initial ticket purchase, say you were entitled to the option of a ticket every game?

Yes it did the marketing is still available. Every championship game save for the all Ireland final (which was guaranteed if further purchases were made).

They are at a loss. The season ticket was for a minimum of 8 games and a guaranteed opportunity to purchase more. They are at a loss of that guarantee.

Again I want to be clear I'm not supporting this. I just think in this instance the law is clearly on the side of the plaintiffs.

I still think it's unlikely to see court as the GAA will likely settle it for a refund or a future ticket.

[David McKeown]

I agree entirely that it's embarrassing but with my legal head on there's a very strong argument that it's a clear breach of contract case. So I'd expect a quiet settlement.

How?


"In the event that the number of Season Ticket holders exceeds stadium capacity the GAA offers no guarantee of the availability of seats or entry to that fixture".

Exactly. In this case it doesn't. The capacity is above (by a couple of hundred) the number of season tickets. The email from the GAA admits that. The reason that season ticket holders aren't all being accommodated is because other groups, media, sponsors and county boards etc are.

Again I want to be very clear I am not condoning this in anyway. I am saying from the point of view of a purely contract law position I don't believe the GAA's terms and conditions protect them in this instance.

These other groups promote, organise maintain our games, in this case probably slightly more deserving of a ticket than 8 people who, we'll let's be honest more than likely bought a season ticket this year to secure a final ticket. There would be no game without these groups

Legally, how do they have a strong case? They'll be laughed out the door as they should be

Legally. If a person contracts with the GAA for certain services namely tickets to certain matches and a guaranteed right to purchase further tickets for other specified matches and the GAA then unilaterally alters that contract then a person is entitled to sue for either specific performance (which I don't think they've done I could be wrong) or damages for breach of contract.

I'm actually struggling to see a defence to it.

As for sponsors being more deserving than supporters I'm not sure I agree.

Other groups yes I do.

It is literally in the terms and conditions as posted previously

"In the event that the number of Season Ticket holders exceeds stadium capacity the GAA offers no guarantee of the availability of seats or entry to that fixture".

Yes. That would be a defence if the number of season tickets had exceeded stadium capacity but it's been accepted that they don't.
[/

I agree entirely that it's embarrassing but with my legal head on there's a very strong argument that it's a clear breach of contract case. So I'd expect a quiet settlement.

How?


"In the event that the number of Season Ticket holders exceeds stadium capacity the GAA offers no guarantee of the availability of seats or entry to that fixture".

Exactly. In this case it doesn't. The capacity is above (by a couple of hundred) the number of season tickets. The email from the GAA admits that. The reason that season ticket holders aren't all being accommodated is because other groups, media, sponsors and county boards etc are.

Again I want to be very clear I am not condoning this in anyway. I am saying from the point of view of a purely contract law position I don't believe the GAA's terms and conditions protect them in this instance.

These other groups promote, organise maintain our games, in this case probably slightly more deserving of a ticket than 8 people who, we'll let's be honest more than likely bought a season ticket this year to secure a final ticket. There would be no game without these groups

Legally, how do they have a strong case? They'll be laughed out the door as they should be

Legally. If a person contracts with the GAA for certain services namely tickets to certain matches and a guaranteed right to purchase further tickets for other specified matches and the GAA then unilaterally alters that contract then a person is entitled to sue for either specific performance (which I don't think they've done I could be wrong) or damages for breach of contract.

I'm actually struggling to see a defence to it.

As for sponsors being more deserving than supporters I'm not sure I agree.

Other groups yes I do.

It is literally in the terms and conditions as posted previously

"In the event that the number of Season Ticket holders exceeds stadium capacity the GAA offers no guarantee of the availability of seats or entry to that fixture".

Yes. That would be a defence if the number of season tickets had exceeded stadium capacity but it's been accepted that they don't.

The GAA could argue that stadium capacity if what's left minus the requirements to run and host the game which includes player tickets, sponsors etc. As in those going to general public.

All of things are contractual obligations so unlikely to pass muster in court. The doctrine of contra preferendum would also have to be overcome.

As I say I'm struggling to see a workable defence. I imagine the legal advice to the association would be settle quickly quietly and cheaply and rework the terms and conditions for next year.

[trueblue1234]

I'm no solicitor but I'd struggle to believe that David. It's an argument over what is capacity. A court would also look at such a case as frivolous at the least.
I don't see them settling, other that saying to ticket holders who don't get that they will receive free into the next game. Job done. And I don't believe anyone is going to challenge it anyway. I also thought on ticket sales the vendor can cancel tickets due to unforeseen circumstances as long as they offer clear options for refunds or exchanges.

[David McKeown]

I'm no solicitor but I'd struggle to believe that David. It's an argument over what is capacity. A court would also look at such a case as frivolous at the least.
I don't see them settling, other that saying to ticket holders who don't get that they will receive free into the next game. Job done. And I don't believe anyone is going to challenge it anyway. I also thought on ticket sales the vendor can cancel tickets due to unforeseen circumstances as long as they offer clear options for refunds or exchanges.

Well all I know is the following. 1. I too am not a solicitor but I've heard directly from a solicitor who tells me their firm have received 8 sets of instructions and have started the litigation process.

The GAA are not offering refunds or exchanges. Doing so would require acceptance from the ticket holders and would amount to a settlement. Instead they are offering is that those who don't get tickets will be considered to have received tickets for the purpose of being one of the 6 tickets you have to purchase in order to be eligible to receive an all Ireland final ticket should your county make it.

It's not really an argument over capacity. The GAA in their email to season ticket holders have accepted the capacity of the ground is sufficient but that they have decided not to allocate a sufficent proportion of that to cover season ticket holders and it is that decision that has left them in breach of contract.

The courts deal with far more trivial matters on a daily basis. Legally it remains a strong case.

Reference to other tickets sales is somewhat misplaced. It will all come down to the terms and conditions. In this scenario the terms and conditions don't seem to cover the association.

[trueblue1234]

What have the GAA offered? I haven't seen their response to it other than it has been confirmed for Corrigan. Have you the details? A simple offer to give the access to the next game instead should have quietened down any discontent. If they were to offer that or a refund on the Season ticket then I can't see how a case would be made against them. Not sure why the season ticket sale would be considered much different from other ticket sales where vendors are protected if they've made clear offer of refund or exchange due to unforeseen circumstances. No doubt there would be a case, I'm just not sure the 8 people would come out on the right side. And in such a case would be liable for costs? Is it really worth the risk.

That aside, those 8 should be shot with a ball of their own sh!te if it's true. And I hope their names are released.

[David McKeown]

What have the GAA offered? I haven't seen their response to it other than it has been confirmed for Corrigan. Have you the details? A simple offer to give the access to the next game instead should have quietened down any discontent. If they were to offer that or a refund on the Season ticket then I can't see how a case would be made against them. Not sure why the season ticket sale would be considered much different from other ticket sales where vendors are protected if they've made clear offer of refund or exchange due to unforeseen circumstances. No doubt there would be a case, I'm just not sure the 8 people would come out on the right side. And in such a case would be liable for costs? Is it really worth the risk.

That aside, those 8 should be shot with a ball of their own sh!te if it's true. And I hope their names are released.

Largely agree they should be shot.

All I've seen is the email sent to all season ticket holders.

It confirms that they won't be guaranteed a ticket to the match because whilst a significant proportion of the capacity has been allocated to season ticket holders it is not enough to cover all ticket holders and that this was a difficult decision to make (as opposed to something out of their control). Therefore season ticket holders will be able to purchase a ticket on a first come first served basis from next Wednesday.

It suggests such an approach is consistent with the terms and conditions which is a strange thing to include unless a you aren't planning on offering a refund and/or you are anticipating legal action.

Then it says

As a goodwill gesture, whether you purchase a ticket for this match or not, it will count towards the six games required to qualify for an All-Ireland Final ticket should Armagh reach the final this year.

I agree if a refund were offered it would nearly eliminate any chance of legal action but that seems to be exactly what is being sought.

There is no offer of cancellation or refund.

Again I imagine the GAA will settle by offering refunds or a future ticket or so forth.

As to costs there's two ways this could proceed. One which wouldn't expose people to costs and one which wouldn't but it's slightly complicated to explain.

As for being named that would be likely of the case goes to court.

[JoG2]

So there's a chance some or all of these clowns will still get a ticket next Wednesday?

[David McKeown]

So there's a chance some or all of these clowns will still get a ticket next Wednesday?

Yes

[Milltown Row2]

Embarrassing, even more embarrassing for a solicitor representing them for a £20 quid ticket, and the game on telly too!

I'll happily cough up £160 quid if they are stuck! Parasites

[general_lee]

Probably the same c***ts that cried when tickets were distributed through the clubs. The GAA should give them complimentary access to 5 clubs matches of their choice.

[Armaghtothebone]

I agree entirely that it's embarrassing but with my legal head on there's a very strong argument that it's a clear breach of contract case. So I'd expect a quiet settlement.

I'm not 1 of the 8 but wish them every success.
As I've posted many times I've absolutely no time for the argument that the players had "a right" to a home game.

My only regret is that it will be the Association and not the players  who end up settling.

I've said it before but it bears repeating,  if Antrim had any chance of winning anything the players would not have been nearly as militant but throwing them out of the competition would have meant nothing.

[Duine Inteacht Eile]

The players settling? Talk me through that....

[JoG2]

The players settling? Talk me through that....

There's quite a bit to dissect there