gaaboard.com

GAA Discussion => GAA Discussion => Topic started by: toby47 on January 12, 2023, 10:41:53 PM

Title: Ticket Prices
Post by: toby47 on January 12, 2023, 10:41:53 PM
From Cahair O'Kane

Ticket prices for National Leagues increase from €15 last year to €18 in 2023. Revenues from last year's leagues were higher than in 2019. In 2019, leagues brought in €3.5m, cost €1.3m to run.

€18 is a disgrace for a NFL game IMO.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Louther on January 12, 2023, 10:46:46 PM
€5 for juveniles too, u16s that is.

Edit: The seems to be only some games with limited tickets - Armagh V Monaghan been one.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Blowitupref on January 12, 2023, 11:23:43 PM
Should have froze the NFL prices, extra money will already be made on the All Ireland group matches.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: tbrick18 on January 13, 2023, 11:07:59 AM
Quote from: Louther on January 12, 2023, 10:46:46 PM
€5 for juveniles too, u16s that is.

They really are pricing families out of it.
Is there a concept of a family ticket for league games?

For me to go to a league game and take the family is 69 Euro (I do have a large family to be fair).
Then add in the price of diesel....minimum 30Euro.
you're talking 100+ to take the family to a league game. We might go to one, but that'll be it.
Not because we don't want to go, but because it's just too expensive to follow a team with those costs.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Redhand Santa on January 13, 2023, 11:21:39 AM
I believe u16s are still free. Except for Armagh Monaghan which has a limited capacity so everyone needs a ticket.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Cavan19 on January 13, 2023, 11:32:19 AM
Quote from: Redhand Santa on January 13, 2023, 11:21:39 AM
I believe u16s are still free. Except for Armagh Monaghan which has a limited capacity so everyone needs a ticket.

Correct
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Louther on January 13, 2023, 12:42:08 PM
Quote from: Redhand Santa on January 13, 2023, 11:21:39 AM
I believe u16s are still free. Except for Armagh Monaghan which has a limited capacity so everyone needs a ticket.

Yes, that does seem to be the case. I'd a colleague from Monaghan complaining and hadn't even see any other tickets on sale but all games now seem available.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Saffrongael on January 13, 2023, 12:45:08 PM
Quote from: toby47 on January 12, 2023, 10:41:53 PM
From Cahair O'Kane

Ticket prices for National Leagues increase from €15 last year to €18 in 2023. Revenues from last year's leagues were higher than in 2019. In 2019, leagues brought in €3.5m, cost €1.3m to run.

€18 is a disgrace for a NFL game IMO.

The GAA really showing they have their finger on the pulse of the issues facing people in 2023
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Feckitt on January 13, 2023, 02:23:00 PM
Monaghan v Armagh SOLD OUT.

Over 2 weeks until the game.  What is the capacity in Blayney?  I don't remember any National League game being sold out anywhere ever?
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Armagh18 on January 13, 2023, 02:23:51 PM
Quote from: Feckitt on January 13, 2023, 02:23:00 PM
Monaghan v Armagh SOLD OUT.

Over 2 weeks until the game.  What is the capacity in Blayney?  I don't remember any National League game being sold out anywhere ever?
Fecking tiny. No idea why they want it played there.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: bennydorano on January 13, 2023, 03:55:47 PM
Quote from: the_daddy on January 13, 2023, 02:30:20 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on January 13, 2023, 02:23:51 PM
Quote from: Feckitt on January 13, 2023, 02:23:00 PM
Monaghan v Armagh SOLD OUT.

Over 2 weeks until the game.  What is the capacity in Blayney?  I don't remember any National League game being sold out anywhere ever?
Fecking tiny. No idea why they want it played there.
Only place in Monaghan with lights and it was a Saturday night TV selection.
Assumed it was for tv myself but Mayo v Galway is on RTE, unless BBCni has it?
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: 5times5times on January 13, 2023, 04:55:48 PM
Incorrect, not sold out.. 30 tickets are going to each club.

Joke it's not in Clones the following day
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: the onion bag on January 13, 2023, 04:58:28 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on January 13, 2023, 03:55:47 PM
Quote from: the_daddy on January 13, 2023, 02:30:20 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on January 13, 2023, 02:23:51 PM
Quote from: Feckitt on January 13, 2023, 02:23:00 PM
Monaghan v Armagh SOLD OUT.

Over 2 weeks until the game.  What is the capacity in Blayney?  I don't remember any National League game being sold out anywhere ever?
Fecking tiny. No idea why they want it played there.
Only place in Monaghan with lights and it was a Saturday night TV selection.
Assumed it was for tv myself but Mayo v Galway is on RTE, unless BBCni has it?
You'd have to think so, otherwise it makes no sense.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: full moon on January 13, 2023, 05:01:42 PM
Very expensive is that same for Division 3 and 4?

Crowds are very poor down the leagues for many counties. Just doesn't seem necessary to me, the crowds are not that good outside Division 1.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: donelli on January 13, 2023, 05:06:34 PM
Quote from: full moon on January 13, 2023, 05:01:42 PM
Very expensive is that same for Division 3 and 4?

Crowds are very poor down the leagues for many counties. Just doesn't seem necessary to me, the crowds are not that good outside Division 1.

div 3 & 4 are €10 entry

Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: armaghniac on January 13, 2023, 05:21:54 PM
Quote from: donelli on January 13, 2023, 05:06:34 PM
Quote from: full moon on January 13, 2023, 05:01:42 PM
Very expensive is that same for Division 3 and 4?

Crowds are very poor down the leagues for many counties. Just doesn't seem necessary to me, the crowds are not that good outside Division 1.

div 3 & 4 are €10 entry

This should suit economically minded Down and Cavan people, aristocrats fallen on hard times.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Truth hurts on January 18, 2023, 03:07:20 PM
IN the north, the current average monthly pay packet is £1,967.

Parts come in a bit under and parts come in a bit over. The disparities won't come as a surprise to you.

Derry city and Strabane, Fermanagh/Omagh and Newry, Mourne and Down are at the bottom of the scale.

The predominantly unionist strongholds of Lisburn and Castlereagh (avg £2,174) and Antrim/Newtownabbey (£2,074) skew the figures.

Take tax, National Insurance, mortgage, heating oil, electricity, car payment, fuel – by the time you're done with all that, you start to understand why disposable income for homes in the north dropped to £95 a week last autumn.

It's a lucky home that has as much as that.

There are areas of the north that are among the very poorest in the whole of the UK.

Where the average annual wage in the Republic is £39,000, it is just £30,000 here. That is well shy of even the UK's average.

Brexit has driven living costs up, closing the gap in the cost of living.

The UK as a whole has become a depraved and despicable part of the western world.

Their government has spent 13 years taking feathers off a frog and handing them to those that have so much they don't know what to do with it.

A fifth of houses across the UK now have an average weekly shortfall of £60. They have to choose between paying for energy, rent, food and fuel.

Unfortunately, we sit beneath their umbrella in the north.

A government that we don't choose has ultimate control and the DUP, charged with helping run this place, are sulking in the corner.

The £600 energy payment that pensioners in England started to receive in November is only starting to arrive here because the DUP can't have the right sausages.

Have you been in a hospital lately?

It's only when you've been through the doors at the minute you could even begin to understand how bad it is. It is like a warzone.

On one evening, there were two nurses to cover the whole of A&E in Altnagelvin. There must have been 100 people waiting to be seen. They had four cubicles in which to triage patients and 25 beds that were all taken up. The ambulances queued at the door.

The nurses felt guilty for taking a break to eat. They were exhausted and at the point of breaking. You find yourself consoling the people that are there to look after you. What else can you do?

This is real life right now. It's not particularly pretty.

Ordinary people are struggling and it is a struggle that will continue for a long time to come.

So look. What's the GAA sticking an extra €3 on to the cost of a league game to you? Maybe nothing. It's grand when you can pay it and not notice the difference.

But it was so unnecessary of the GAA to do it. Right now, like?

In 2019, the last normal season for which figures are available, the GAA made €5.4m in gate receipts from the football and hurling leagues. They cost €1.9m to run.

The rest of the money, in accounting terms, was put down as going towards the GAA's injury fund (€540,000) and paying for team expenses (€2.9m). It was a complete break-even deal in the books.

That same year, owing partly to the replayed football final, gate receipts from the football championship rose to €18.2m from €12.7m the previous year.

It's just four years since fans were being charged €12 in to watch league games. This year, it will be €18. A 50 per cent increase since 2019.

Financially it has been a couple of tough years for the GAA too. And they do put a huge chunk of their income back out each year.

They have their own costs but, frankly, I don't really want to hear the excuse about rising costs causing this price increase. That's inevitably what it will be when it comes at the release of their annual report next month.

It has been far tougher on households and families.

The cost of attending a game is far greater than just the cost of the ticket. Fuel and food prices have become so prohibitive. A day out for two people at a league game could easily sting you for £100.

Championship, more still. Throw in the kids (albeit it's admirable that U16s still go free in the league) and it starts to become a very expensive hobby.

With the condensed season now, you're looking at between two and four games on one paycheque.

It's simply not affordable for so many people.

Football hasn't been this competitive in a long time. New management in Mayo, Galway's rise, Tyrone's struggles since winning Sam, Kerry's ascension to the throne, Dublin in Division Two with Derry – there's a good chance that despite all the negativity around the game, crowds will increase this spring.

Problem with all this is that the provincial councils will still need their pound of flesh. So even though the spring's revamped provincial championships are greatly reduced in lustre, will that be reflected in ticket price reductions? Bet your bottom dollar it won't.

The summer will see an expanded programme packed with group stage matches that mean nothing. You can't price championship games cheaper than league games, surely, so is €18 your starting point?

It just feels like a never-ending spiral of rising costs to attend Gaelic football matches.

"Market value, market forces, can't undersell ourselves", yada yada. Look over there at the price of going to rugby!

We're not rugby and we're not the Premier League.

What we are is very lost down a very dark alley.

The GAA, make no mistake about this, has transitioned into seeing the public first and foremost as paying consumers.

'How far can we push this boat out and get away with it? €15... sure it went grand. Will we try 16? 17? Nah, let's go €18. They'll complain but they'll still pay it.'

And they will pay it. They'll find ways to pay it. Look at the McKenna Cup. 4,500 at Armagh-Antrim, 4,000 at Down-Derry, 3,500 at Derry-Tyrone. At least the same again at the final. Mad stuff for January. People are obsessed with it and would move heaven and earth to be there.

I was amazed landing to Owenbeg last Wednesday night and no sign of a ticket van or any form of entry barring scanning the phone.

The GAA wants to go cashless but hasn't got the right infrastructure in place to do it. It's the fans who end up paying for that.

Look around you at the first league game and see the proportion of the crowd made up by people aged 50-plus. They're the cash users and a huge part of the GAA's core audience.

Yet they're being made to feel like a nuisance. Either learn to work Ticketmaster or stay at home is the message.

Younger people don't care about having to buy online and scan their phone. It's handier, even. But the goose and the gander aren't the same.

Surely we can open a cash turnstile or two and have a terminal where people can tap a bank card to pay at the gate.

It's genuinely stressful for older people, maybe there on their own for an evening out of the house. They've forgotten to download it before leaving home, there's no 4G, they can't get it open. Genuine problems to which no alternative is being offered.

The season ticket is a bit of a sham got. At €150, it would cover seven league games at €18 and the first championship game up to €24. Will that game even cost €24? If not, are there refunds?

There's no actual discount, just fluffy add-ons.

You can attend the club finals and National League finals as part of it but unless your county is involved, there wouldn't be many taking up those options.

Mostly, though, there was simply no need for the GAA to raise its ticket prices for the leagues, no matter how they may try to justify it in the coming weeks.

It's a fine line between harnessing enthusiasm and exploiting it.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: AustinPowers on January 18, 2023, 05:18:34 PM
Thanks for posting

Agreed, the  ticket price rise was  uncalled for

And I really don't like  this move towards cashless turnstiles.  Not one bit

Are tickets no longer available  in SuperValu or centra?
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Baile Brigín 2 on January 19, 2023, 11:03:21 AM
Quote from: AustinPowers on January 18, 2023, 05:18:34 PM
Thanks for posting

Agreed, the  ticket price rise was  uncalled for

And I really don't like  this move towards cashless turnstiles.  Not one bit

Are tickets no longer available  in SuperValu or centra?
No pay at the gate is fine. But have a booth. It's bonkers to turn away punters who rock up on the day.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Armagh18 on January 19, 2023, 11:10:06 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on January 19, 2023, 11:03:21 AM
Quote from: AustinPowers on January 18, 2023, 05:18:34 PM
Thanks for posting

Agreed, the  ticket price rise was  uncalled for

And I really don't like  this move towards cashless turnstiles.  Not one bit

Are tickets no longer available  in SuperValu or centra?
No pay at the gate is fine. But have a booth. It's bonkers to turn away punters who rock up on the day.
Madness bar the obvious sell out games. Do people actuslly be turned away?
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: thewobbler on January 19, 2023, 11:32:59 AM
RANT


Rising ticket prices is another clear sign that the paid bureaucrats across our association, have firmly wrestled control (and strategy) away from the volunteers.

As summary of how it works:

A well-meaning provincial volunteer officer identifies that the association could benefit from placing a full-time coaching officer in the province, to provide leadership, direction etc.

After 6-12 months in post the new officer identifies and propositions that the need an S&C specialist officer too, who initially starts on a part time time basis, but quickly "proves the need" for a full time role.

Now there's two of them, and they're full to the gills of plans for how to improve everything GAA. They push and proposition hard that a dedicated nutritionist is needed, and a specialised primary schools lead coach is needed. And voila they appear.

Of course at this point they need a (well-paid) head of department to oversee their progress, and it's only right that these coaches pass on their skills to the next generation, so they all enjoy at least one of a junior officer and/or a university placement student.

With all these staff floating around, there's now a clear need for a HR manager and a recruiter. Plus an office admin because none of the coaches are ever on hand. So we've a new department, and need a head of operations to lead them.

And at this point it would be folly not to have a well-paid CEO to set the vision and shake hands with everyone.

———

That's been the path of the GAA during my adult life.

Every year the Association expands its employee base and wage bill.

And you don't need an accountant to realise that the only sure fire way to ensure that profits continue in an upward trend, is to raise ticket prices.

Why a non-profit organisation needs to have an upward trend in profits has always  baffled me, but that's for another day.

——-

The most pertinent question to ask here isn't why ticket prices have to go up. This is obvious. The right question to ask is whether 30 years or so after the first full time officers came on board, has the Association improved any for their "efforts"?

It has. There's been improvements.

But not a lot.

We (the clubs) have a lot more paperwork to do as a result of all these officials being in place. We (the followers) have currently a worse end product, due to over over conditioned, mistake-free football coached across the board. And to pay for this bureaucracy, we (the fans) are getting shat upon by ticket prices.

Personally I've no interest in the GAA being a commercial organisation. I don't want to see it competing with soccer.

I'd truly love to decimate the paid ranks of the GAA.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: RedHand88 on January 19, 2023, 12:13:02 PM
If you think there haven't been many improvements in the GAA in the last 30 years then I don't know what to say!
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Truth hurts on January 19, 2023, 12:20:12 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2023, 11:32:59 AM
RANT


Rising ticket prices is another clear sign that the paid bureaucrats across our association, have firmly wrestled control (and strategy) away from the volunteers.

As summary of how it works:

A well-meaning provincial volunteer officer identifies that the association could benefit from placing a full-time coaching officer in the province, to provide leadership, direction etc.

After 6-12 months in post the new officer identifies and propositions that the need an S&C specialist officer too, who initially starts on a part time time basis, but quickly "proves the need" for a full time role.

Now there's two of them, and they're full to the gills of plans for how to improve everything GAA. They push and proposition hard that a dedicated nutritionist is needed, and a specialised primary schools lead coach is needed. And voila they appear.

Of course at this point they need a (well-paid) head of department to oversee their progress, and it's only right that these coaches pass on their skills to the next generation, so they all enjoy at least one of a junior officer and/or a university placement student.

With all these staff floating around, there's now a clear need for a HR manager and a recruiter. Plus an office admin because none of the coaches are ever on hand. So we've a new department, and need a head of operations to lead them.

And at this point it would be folly not to have a well-paid CEO to set the vision and shake hands with everyone.

———

That's been the path of the GAA during my adult life.

Every year the Association expands its employee base and wage bill.

And you don't need an accountant to realise that the only sure fire way to ensure that profits continue in an upward trend, is to raise ticket prices.

Why a non-profit organisation needs to have an upward trend in profits has always  baffled me, but that's for another day.

——-

The most pertinent question to ask here isn't why ticket prices have to go up. This is obvious. The right question to ask is whether 30 years or so after the first full time officers came on board, has the Association improved any for their "efforts"?

It has. There's been improvements.

But not a lot.

We (the clubs) have a lot more paperwork to do as a result of all these officials being in place. We (the followers) have currently a worse end product, due to over over conditioned, mistake-free football coached across the board. And to pay for this bureaucracy, we (the fans) are getting shat upon by ticket prices.

Personally I've no interest in the GAA being a commercial organisation. I don't want to see it competing with soccer.

I'd truly love to decimate the paid ranks of the GAA.

excellent post Wobbler,
Ulster GAA really grands me at times, they have so many employees who are getting paid to read of a powerpoint presentation
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Rossfan on January 19, 2023, 12:57:00 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on January 19, 2023, 12:13:02 PM
If you think there haven't been many improvements in the GAA in the last 30 years then I don't know what to say!

Much easier to rant!!
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: thewobbler on January 19, 2023, 01:22:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on January 19, 2023, 12:13:02 PM
If you think there haven't been many improvements in the GAA in the last 30 years then I don't know what to say!

There has been improvements. But nowhere near enough to justify the excessive and evergrowing middle fat of people that the association now employs. The GAA does not have a need to be an industry.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: JimStynes on January 19, 2023, 01:26:22 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2023, 01:22:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on January 19, 2023, 12:13:02 PM
If you think there haven't been many improvements in the GAA in the last 30 years then I don't know what to say!

There has been improvements. But nowhere near enough to justify the excessive and evergrowing middle fat of people that the association now employs. The GAA does not have a need to be an industry.

What would your vision of the GAA be? All voluntary? Genuinely interested to hear
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: thewobbler on January 19, 2023, 07:03:46 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 19, 2023, 01:26:22 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2023, 01:22:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on January 19, 2023, 12:13:02 PM
If you think there haven't been many improvements in the GAA in the last 30 years then I don't know what to say!

There has been improvements. But nowhere near enough to justify the excessive and evergrowing middle fat of people that the association now employs. The GAA does not have a need to be an industry.

What would your vision of the GAA be? All voluntary? Genuinely interested to hear

To be honest, I'm not sure. I just know the current direction - whereby seemingly everyone can get paid except the players - frustrates and annoys me.

What especially annoys me is the bloat, whether it be in club senior management teams (think about the value and returns of paying 4-5 men separately to run a 90 min training session), or in our ever-expanding regional and national boards (generating power points to run courses aimed at people who can't think for themselves).

What is absolutely grinding my gears is some of our neighbouring clubs taking in professional coaches for juvenile players. I don't care if there's a grant for it. The thinking behind these decisions is so absolutely short term. Within a decade, the knock on effects of this will become clear: volunteers will dry up. Members will ask for expenses then money to coach teams ("well if he's getting it, why can't I?"). More pro coaches will be needed to fill the void. The cost of running a juvenile team will soar tenfold - which will be passed onto parents. The game will become as middle class as rugby. And you know what, our clubs won't be better off for it. Some players will be better coached some of the time, but they'll never have the same passions instilled in them that comes from volunteers doing it for the love of the game. And one thing for sure. This will not solve the player drop off conundrum.

My earlier point about the quality of football we now get for the money we pay to watch it, is no better or or worse than 25 years ago. The players are undoubtedly more skilful and better conditioned. But all that money, all that focus on coaching, has reduced the entertainment levels, not improved them.

I guess if you were to really push me for what I'd like, it's for a change in ethos to be written into the constitution and then battered into administrators all across the land. The ethos would simply state "there are no careers in Gaelic Games". This doesn't mean some people wouldn't get paid some of the time. It would just hopefully change the ethos back to what we used to have ie fix our problems ourselves, and pursue our futures ourselves - don't just throw money at it.

Reducing ticket prices to little above the cost of entry would be a key driver.



Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: rosnarun on January 20, 2023, 09:17:47 AM
the GAA is not soccer or Rugby but they compete with thim everywhere for players for space in cities for supporters ETC and they do Charge Much less to attend matches than any of the other but while they Charge at all , Some people will be whinging.
They cannot compete without a pot to piss in. As for Cashless games the biggest benefit for dodgy is its much harder to dip into
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Truth hurts on January 20, 2023, 09:42:17 AM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2023, 07:03:46 PM
Quote from: JimStynes on January 19, 2023, 01:26:22 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2023, 01:22:56 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on January 19, 2023, 12:13:02 PM
If you think there haven't been many improvements in the GAA in the last 30 years then I don't know what to say!

There has been improvements. But nowhere near enough to justify the excessive and evergrowing middle fat of people that the association now employs. The GAA does not have a need to be an industry.

What would your vision of the GAA be? All voluntary? Genuinely interested to hear

To be honest, I'm not sure. I just know the current direction - whereby seemingly everyone can get paid except the players - frustrates and annoys me.

What especially annoys me is the bloat, whether it be in club senior management teams (think about the value and returns of paying 4-5 men separately to run a 90 min training session), or in our ever-expanding regional and national boards (generating power points to run courses aimed at people who can't think for themselves).

What is absolutely grinding my gears is some of our neighbouring clubs taking in professional coaches for juvenile players. I don't care if there's a grant for it. The thinking behind these decisions is so absolutely short term. Within a decade, the knock on effects of this will become clear: volunteers will dry up. Members will ask for expenses then money to coach teams ("well if he's getting it, why can't I?"). More pro coaches will be needed to fill the void. The cost of running a juvenile team will soar tenfold - which will be passed onto parents. The game will become as middle class as rugby. And you know what, our clubs won't be better off for it. Some players will be better coached some of the time, but they'll never have the same passions instilled in them that comes from volunteers doing it for the love of the game. And one thing for sure. This will not solve the player drop off conundrum.

My earlier point about the quality of football we now get for the money we pay to watch it, is no better or or worse than 25 years ago. The players are undoubtedly more skilful and better conditioned. But all that money, all that focus on coaching, has reduced the entertainment levels, not improved them.

I guess if you were to really push me for what I'd like, it's for a change in ethos to be written into the constitution and then battered into administrators all across the land. The ethos would simply state "there are no careers in Gaelic Games". This doesn't mean some people wouldn't get paid some of the time. It would just hopefully change the ethos back to what we used to have ie fix our problems ourselves, and pursue our futures ourselves - don't just throw money at it.

Reducing ticket prices to little above the cost of entry would be a key driver.

What clubs have professional coaches at underage level? That's mental
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: yellowcard on January 20, 2023, 01:45:08 PM
Quote from: thewobbler on January 19, 2023, 11:32:59 AM
RANT


Rising ticket prices is another clear sign that the paid bureaucrats across our association, have firmly wrestled control (and strategy) away from the volunteers.

As summary of how it works:

A well-meaning provincial volunteer officer identifies that the association could benefit from placing a full-time coaching officer in the province, to provide leadership, direction etc.

After 6-12 months in post the new officer identifies and propositions that the need an S&C specialist officer too, who initially starts on a part time time basis, but quickly "proves the need" for a full time role.

Now there's two of them, and they're full to the gills of plans for how to improve everything GAA. They push and proposition hard that a dedicated nutritionist is needed, and a specialised primary schools lead coach is needed. And voila they appear.

Of course at this point they need a (well-paid) head of department to oversee their progress, and it's only right that these coaches pass on their skills to the next generation, so they all enjoy at least one of a junior officer and/or a university placement student.

With all these staff floating around, there's now a clear need for a HR manager and a recruiter. Plus an office admin because none of the coaches are ever on hand. So we've a new department, and need a head of operations to lead them.

And at this point it would be folly not to have a well-paid CEO to set the vision and shake hands with everyone.

———

That's been the path of the GAA during my adult life.

Every year the Association expands its employee base and wage bill.

And you don't need an accountant to realise that the only sure fire way to ensure that profits continue in an upward trend, is to raise ticket prices.

Why a non-profit organisation needs to have an upward trend in profits has always  baffled me, but that's for another day.

——-

The most pertinent question to ask here isn't why ticket prices have to go up. This is obvious. The right question to ask is whether 30 years or so after the first full time officers came on board, has the Association improved any for their "efforts"?

It has. There's been improvements.

But not a lot.

We (the clubs) have a lot more paperwork to do as a result of all these officials being in place. We (the followers) have currently a worse end product, due to over over conditioned, mistake-free football coached across the board. And to pay for this bureaucracy, we (the fans) are getting shat upon by ticket prices.

Personally I've no interest in the GAA being a commercial organisation. I don't want to see it competing with soccer.

I'd truly love to decimate the paid ranks of the GAA.

Very good post. This gradual take over of GAA teams by the merry go round coaching fraternity has definitely not resulted in a better spectacle. Yes, the players are more skilled and better conditioned than ever but the games are often dull and lack excitement. Most of the money is being sucked out of the association by a small army of paid coaches, nutriotinists, S & C coaches etc The hundreds of members in each club help fill the coffers to pay a handful of these same merry go round managers. While this growing upward pressure on income remains, the cost to individual members and the paying public has to increase proportionately be it through tickets sales, sponsorship or live streaming. The rising ticket prices are only a symptom of the growing costs which the GAA have failed to address.

If there are an average of 40 clubs in each county I'd guess that at least 30 of those are paying coaches. If the average cost of a senior management team is £30k (some will be considerably more, some will be less) that is almost £1m per county that clubs are paying out on senior management set ups. There is a large part of the problem. 
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Wildweasel74 on January 20, 2023, 03:49:19 PM
My biggest gripe is all these fball clubs hiring coaches with no chance of winning the local championship. Going round selling tickets, not for bringing the youth up, but to paid a mercenary blow in's extreme amounts of money. Yes it works stimes, but at what long term cost.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Look-Up! on January 20, 2023, 05:01:17 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on January 20, 2023, 03:49:19 PM
My biggest gripe is all these fball clubs hiring coaches with no chance of winning the local championship. Going round selling tickets, not for bringing the youth up, but to paid a mercenary blow in's extreme amounts of money. Yes it works stimes, but at what long term cost.
True. Sometimes it's the only option though. A lot of thick c***s about and managing in your own club can quickly become a nightmare, lifelong friendships taking a beating.

Regards entertainment value and coaching methods and tactics, I'm afraid the genie is out of the bottle on that one never to return. Strength, size and endurance are dominating factors in team selections and ball retention in game play. That's one good thing about soccer, fundamental skill still the overriding factor despite all the advances in tactics, sports science and supplements. An argument for a different thread, but I think if the 4 steps and tackle rules were strictly enforced, we'd see a more open game with bulk and power less effective.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Link on January 20, 2023, 08:57:34 PM
Quote from: Truth hurts on January 20, 2023, 09:42:17 AM

What clubs have professional coaches at underage level? That's mental

I think he means development officers in clubs who look over all aspects of all underage teams + possibly help with schools too.

I know of one close to me and it was an advertised paid position with over 30 hours a week.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Wildweasel74 on January 20, 2023, 10:36:17 PM
I think alot of attacking play been coached out of Derry. But again this form of fball prevalent at Senior club level in the county too.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: AustinPowers on February 12, 2023, 10:32:25 AM
People not happy about the gaa going  cashless .  I don't like it myself

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64561431
(https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-64561431)
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Rossfan on February 12, 2023, 11:17:48 AM
Did I read somewhere that gate receipts are higher in all Counties since cashless came in?
I wonder why that might be ::)
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: twohands!!! on February 12, 2023, 02:41:11 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on February 12, 2023, 11:17:48 AM
Did I read somewhere that gate receipts are higher in all Counties since cashless came in?
I wonder why that might be ::)

I think the revenue in Galway was something like double for club matches.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 12, 2023, 03:11:31 PM
We talking about slippy fingers, or person paying to game then not going for various reasons.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: From the Bunker on February 12, 2023, 04:26:48 PM
We are probably talking about slippy fingers, there has always been a loose unaccountable past with the GAA and Cash entry to games. I'm sure there was a tiny minority on the take over the years. It'greed when the opportunity arises.



Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Louther on February 12, 2023, 07:00:40 PM
Quote from: Rossfan on February 12, 2023, 11:17:48 AM
Did I read somewhere that gate receipts are higher in all Counties since cashless came in?
I wonder why that might be ::)

While some may have gone west. A lot of it would have been held back by county boards themselves to pay "expenses" and costs off the books as such. It would have been themselves not declaring it. You'd find clubs at same as well
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Rossfan on February 12, 2023, 08:09:12 PM
The  oul  alleged manager slush fund :-\
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: AustinPowers on February 12, 2023, 08:51:16 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 12, 2023, 04:26:48 PM
We are probably talking about slippy fingers, there has always been a loose unaccountable past with the GAA and Cash entry to games. I'm sure there was a tiny minority on the take over the years. It'greed when the opportunity arises.

Still not  a good enough reason to  stop cash sales

If I get my car  washed, windows cleaned  or hedges cut ,  are those people declaring  every penny?   I   don't give a  damn if they do or dont. My concern is getting my  car/windows washed.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: OrchardOrange on February 12, 2023, 11:11:45 PM
Quote from: AustinPowers on February 12, 2023, 08:51:16 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on February 12, 2023, 04:26:48 PM
We are probably talking about slippy fingers, there has always been a loose unaccountable past with the GAA and Cash entry to games. I'm sure there was a tiny minority on the take over the years. It'greed when the opportunity arises.

Still not  a good enough reason to  stop cash sales

If I get my car  washed, windows cleaned  or hedges cut ,  are those people declaring  every penny?   I   don't give a  damn if they do or dont. My concern is getting my  car/windows washed.

At least the car washers are working for their cash reward....
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Rossfan on February 12, 2023, 11:13:22 PM
I'd suggest 2 reasons for cashless...
1 less Insurance
2 money goes where it's meant to go
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Cavan19 on February 13, 2023, 08:11:45 AM
Quote from: Rossfan on February 12, 2023, 11:13:22 PM
I'd suggest 2 reasons for cashless...
1 less Insurance
2 money goes where it's meant to go

I don't understand why they can't have a few card machines at the gate to take payments I think it would solve this problem over night and they are still cashless.  90% or more would still buy online as they are used to it now and it is handy.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: square_ball on February 13, 2023, 08:21:37 AM
If clubs going door to door selling tickets can produce a card machine at your front door then the GAA could provide a few at the gate as well. I think that is the solution they will have to go for.

I have no issues with paying in advance for a ticket for the game but can see how it is an issue for other people.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: trailer on February 13, 2023, 10:21:51 AM
f**k me just buy the ticket before you go. Like a concert or if you were going to the theatre.

People moan about everything. People moaned about Sky coverage and then they moaned about there not being Sky coverage. GAA is full of moaning c***ts.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: RedHand88 on February 13, 2023, 10:49:45 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 13, 2023, 10:21:51 AM
f**k me just buy the ticket before you go. Like a concert or if you were going to the theatre.

People moan about everything. People moaned about Sky coverage and then they moaned about there not being Sky coverage. GAA is full of moaning c***ts.

It's an Irish thing. We are a nation of yaps.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 13, 2023, 01:40:06 PM
Go try get a Chinese with a card, you not get far lol. The online process is off putting to many an older person who unlike us, don't bother with the Internet.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: trailer on February 13, 2023, 01:51:05 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 13, 2023, 01:40:06 PM
Go try get a Chinese with a card, you not get far lol. The online process is off putting to many an older person who unlike us, don't bother with the Internet.

And that is fine. That is there choice... just like the GAA.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 13, 2023, 03:32:25 PM
Gaa choice, who they ask, didnt ask any supporters, was it a motion at Congress? Just went ahead and done it. They only think of the money!
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: trailer on February 13, 2023, 03:36:49 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 13, 2023, 03:32:25 PM
Gaa choice, who they ask, didnt ask any supporters, was it a motion at Congress? Just went ahead and done it. They only think of the money!

What you mean they only think of the money? If they were thinking about money they wouldn't do it, as fans say they aren't going!
It is best practice to limit cash where possible. Safer for all involved. This is a sensible step the GAA has taken. People are f**king professional whingers! Some Aontu politician actually released a statement!
The GAA are actual GAA members and volunteers, elected by the GAA members. They aren't some foreign corporation or investment fund.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: RedHand88 on February 13, 2023, 03:55:05 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 13, 2023, 03:32:25 PM
Gaa choice, who they ask, didnt ask any supporters, was it a motion at Congress? Just went ahead and done it. They only think of the money!

Eh? Isn't this the opposite of thinking of the money? Lol think about what you are saying.
If they were "thinking of the money" they'd take nothing but cash and declare as little as they feel like as its completely untraceable.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 13, 2023, 08:34:02 PM
Recent accounts for last year show more money made, as in a certain amount of money wasn't making it way back to Croke Park. Of course its about money, that all this organisation been geared up on past 20yrs.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Wildweasel74 on February 13, 2023, 08:37:47 PM
Was a motion put forward to do this, no due to Covid, but when other Covid restrictions lifted, they kept cashless online payment, with ticketmaster involved and tickets costing more. They doing the banks job for them.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: bennydorano on February 13, 2023, 09:00:20 PM
There's absolutely no excuse for not accommodating cash turnstiles, it is a disgrace. It won't change until a social media song & dance is made about it with a TV crew in tow.

The GAA is fond of pontificating about out our roots, our culture & history, the amateur ethos and volunteerism,  yet they display the most ruthless traits of capitalism underneath this shiney veneer all over the country. Price gouging & PPV are endemic and are only going to increase.

Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Rossfan on February 13, 2023, 09:36:43 PM
Vincent de Paul for charity
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: trailer on February 13, 2023, 09:41:40 PM
Make everything free.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: bennydorano on February 13, 2023, 10:11:20 PM
Sure half of the posters on this board will be able to see it all for free this Spring & Summer on GAAGO on IPTV illegal streaming services anyway.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: onefineday on February 13, 2023, 11:41:20 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on February 13, 2023, 10:49:45 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 13, 2023, 10:21:51 AM
f**k me just buy the ticket before you go. Like a concert or if you were going to the theatre.

People moan about everything. People moaned about Sky coverage and then they moaned about there not being Sky coverage. GAA is full of moaning c***ts.

It's an Irish thing. We are a nation of yaps.
It's a human thing.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: trailer on February 14, 2023, 09:36:12 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on February 13, 2023, 08:34:02 PM
Recent accounts for last year show more money made, as in a certain amount of money wasn't making it way back to Croke Park. Of course its about money, that all this organisation been geared up on past 20yrs.

So let me get this right. You are saying that some people are stealing from the GAA and they have put steps in to counteract this and yet, that is the wrong thing to do? They should just allow a certain amount of leakage with cash?

Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: square_ball on February 14, 2023, 10:19:07 AM
If only there was some kind of invention where they didn't have to take cash at the gate but instead had a device that took payment from the person attending directly from bank account to bank account. . .
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: RedHand88 on February 14, 2023, 10:30:42 AM
Quote from: square_ball on February 14, 2023, 10:19:07 AM
If only there was some kind of invention where they didn't have to take cash at the gate but instead had a device that took payment from the person attending directly from bank account to bank account. . .

Takes too long. Just buy the ticket before you go ffs. You do it for literally every other event, concert, day out etc
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: trailer on February 14, 2023, 10:42:24 AM
Quote from: square_ball on February 14, 2023, 10:19:07 AM
If only there was some kind of invention where they didn't have to take cash at the gate but instead had a device that took payment from the person attending directly from bank account to bank account. . .

Less cash - reduces risk to volunteers
Pre Sold tickets - better event planning around stewarding and insurance, also reduces ticket touting.

I personally don't really see a problem.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Rossfan on February 14, 2023, 11:17:27 AM
Can't you still buy in Supervalu or Centra?
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Milltown Row2 on February 14, 2023, 01:36:41 PM
Boys were being 'robbed' left right and center back in the day after a big gate in the Championship..

Its a pain in the hole but if your da can't do it then do it for him

Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: AustinPowers on February 15, 2023, 02:29:40 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 14, 2023, 10:42:24 AM
Quote from: square_ball on February 14, 2023, 10:19:07 AM
If only there was some kind of invention where they didn't have to take cash at the gate but instead had a device that took payment from the person attending directly from bank account to bank account. . .

Less cash - reduces risk to volunteers
Pre Sold tickets - better event planning around stewarding and insurance, also reduces ticket touting.

I personally don't really see a problem.

What about  the tea shops behind the stand ?  Program sellers?  Half time draw sellers? Are they in  danger ? Maybe they should go cashless too 

Maybe  all supporters should be banned from  carrying cash in their pockets to games in case they're pickpocketed?  ::)
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: sensethetone on February 15, 2023, 06:08:22 AM
Quote from: AustinPowers on February 15, 2023, 02:29:40 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 14, 2023, 10:42:24 AM
Quote from: square_ball on February 14, 2023, 10:19:07 AM
If only there was some kind of invention where they didn't have to take cash at the gate but instead had a device that took payment from the person attending directly from bank account to bank account. . .

Less cash - reduces risk to volunteers
Pre Sold tickets - better event planning around stewarding and insurance, also reduces ticket touting.

I personally don't really see a problem.

What about  the tea shops behind the stand ?  Program sellers?  Half time draw sellers? Are they in  danger ? Maybe they should go cashless too 

Maybe  all supporters should be banned from  carrying cash in their pockets to games in case they're pickpocketed?  ::)

That's the GAA professional and amateur - when it suits.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: trailer on February 16, 2023, 04:28:43 PM
Quote from: AustinPowers on February 15, 2023, 02:29:40 AM
Quote from: trailer on February 14, 2023, 10:42:24 AM
Quote from: square_ball on February 14, 2023, 10:19:07 AM
If only there was some kind of invention where they didn't have to take cash at the gate but instead had a device that took payment from the person attending directly from bank account to bank account. . .

Less cash - reduces risk to volunteers
Pre Sold tickets - better event planning around stewarding and insurance, also reduces ticket touting.

I personally don't really see a problem.

What about  the tea shops behind the stand ?  Program sellers?  Half time draw sellers? Are they in  danger ? Maybe they should go cashless too 

Maybe  all supporters should be banned from  carrying cash in their pockets to games in case they're pickpocketed?  ::)

Last time I was in Croker you could buy the programme with a card and the Tea shops took card (some maybe card only)
I think for incidental purchases cash will always remain, but when it comes to entrance to games I think it is a good step. People wouldn't go to the Theatre or a Concert and expect to pay at the door, nor even an All Ireland Final. Croke Park has been pre purchased all ticket for as long as I can remember.
This is a natural extension and while we always have moaners in the GAA (more than any other sport) they can stay in the past wihile we all move forward.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: bennydorano on February 16, 2023, 05:26:52 PM
No one expects to waltz into Croke Park on AIF day and pay cash or any all ticket game, it's the non descript County (& increasingly county championships) games - why can there not be a cash turnstile at the McKenna cup games? If we can implement the current structures I'm sure we could quite easily & safely manage a cash turnstile- the GAA simply doesn't want to. Why are the GAA at the forefront of promoting a cashless society? Covid played it's part in getting us here but as society is moving into the denying Covid ever happened phase most of it will be unpicked.

Bit of a tangent but I stood at the Armagh v Mayo match and everything there suggested to me we're on the road to semi-pro or full professionalism, everything is in place on & off the field EXCEPT the players getting their fair share, it's the final piece of the jigsaw. GAA wants to be 100% professional and maintain Amateurism, at some point there'll be a reckoning (another GPA one).
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Blowitupref on March 30, 2023, 10:10:40 PM
Upcoming Opening round games.

Adult prices

Connacht

New York v Leitrim  30 dollars
London v Sligo  25/30 euro
Mayo v Roscommon  €30/25

Ulster

£15.00/20 for Antrim v  Armagh

Munster

Clare v Cork and  Tipperary v Waterford   €15.00 general admission


Leinster

Longford v Offaly,Wicklow v Carlow and Laois v Wexford €20/15.00


Connacht overcharging has been going on for a few years. Should be a set price on these provincial games and €15.00 is more than enough for Quarter finals or preliminary round games.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Rossfan on March 30, 2023, 10:29:49 PM
Weave to pay to keep Prenty's balloon inflated >:(
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: armaghniac on March 31, 2023, 09:11:05 AM
The season tickets are the same price, as they not? So the Connacht crowd get better value as the first game us included,and a league final thrown in as well.
Title: Re: Ticket Prices
Post by: Rossfan on March 31, 2023, 09:15:09 AM
No free League Final tickets for Ros or Leitrim season ticket holders, only for those who reach a Final.
Used to be free for all.