GAA under f ire over its new ticket transfer rule
NEW rules governing the purchase of tickets for GAA matches have come under fire.
The imposition two weeks ago of the new rule that screenshots of tickets would not be accepted at league matches means that ‘soon you will need a PhD in advanced mathematics to be able to get in to watch a GAA match’, according to one senator.
A fortnight ago the GAA said that ‘for this weekend screenshots of mobile tickets will no longer work for entry’.
Instead, the GAA said ‘mobile tickets must be downloaded to your phone wallet in advance. Printed tickets will also be accepted.’
Senator Tim Lombard of Fine Gael said there needs to be wider communication on this issue with GAA fans given that ‘a lot of GAA patrons across the country are elderly and may not be as mobile phone-savvy as others’.
He noted: ‘Since Covid, we have all had to get used to buying tickets online with no physical sales outside of venues.
‘That is fair enough, as circumstances for all aspects of our lives change all the time and technology is at the forefront of ensuring this, but some form of common sense and of choice should be applied by the GAA.
‘The GAA need to remember they are not some multinational or some bank that thinks it is too posh to deal in cash. They are a community-based organisation and should act accordingly.’
He added: ‘The GAA should also note that Finance Minister Michael McGrath is steering legislation through the Dáil defending the rights of citizens to use preferred options such as cash.
‘Ending screenshots of tickets is a generally unknown development and was first tried in recent months but is only coming to people’s attention now as the GAA season starts to pick up a gear.
‘While options for transferring tickets online are available, not all wishing to attend games will be adept at transferring tickets to different accounts and saving to Google Wallets ahead of the match,’ Mr Lombard said.
‘What about the daughter who lives elsewhere in the country and buys her dad a ticket for his game and previously sent him a screenshot of it? He now must find out how to save the original ticket to his phone etc. Is he even aware he has to do this?’
The senator added: ‘Everyone knows national league matches don’t sell out and there is no issue with forged tickets for league matches.
‘It’s time for the GAA to have some common sense and make it as easy for people to attend matches on wet, cold weekends in February.
He added: ‘We all want to support our county teams – why make it harder for those who probably have been doing it the longest and shown the most loyalty to the GAA?’
‘You’ll need a PhD in mathematics’