THE GAA ARE not set to deviate with the scheduling of the All-Ireland senior hurling final replay between Clare and Cork despite both counties expressing concerns.
The game is fixed for Saturday September 28th at 5pm in Croke Park and that will remain in place according to GAA President Liam O’Neill.
“I wasn’t part of the negotiations. That was handled by the CCC, the stadium executive and the Gardaí.
“They decided on that time and I don’t interfere with that, that’s done for a very good reason.
“They’ve made that decision, that’s taking several factors into consideration like traffic.
“That’s the decision they’ve come back with, it was done by consultation and that decision won’t change.”
Tickets
O’Neill revealed it was always on the cards that ticket prices would be cut if there was an All-Ireland hurling final replay.
The GAA have confirmed that there will be ticket reductions for the replay with stand tickets now €50 (down from €80) and terrace €25 (down from €40).
“We did it last year and we knew when we did it last year we were setting a precedent. We said, ‘look, if it happens again, it happens again, that’s it’.
“We appreciate that at the end of the year, the counties that are in the final have more or likely gone to most games.
“So for a replay, to drop the price of that is significant and significant recognition of the fact that they have been coming to the games all year.
“The biggest thing, and it was probably glossed over at the weekend, is that 5,000 U16′s will get to see an All-Ireland final.
“There’s no other event in the world where the showcase event would be reduced to that extent and the children would be accommodated.
“And we do feel that it has helped show families that we’re serious about involving families.”
Fans on route to last Sunday’s game.
Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Holiday Funds
The GAA are also set to make increased contributions to the holiday funds of the Cork and Clare camps as a result of the replay.
Last year both Galway and Kilkenny received €50,000 each after their All-Ireland clash went to a replay.
O’Neill would not reveal the amount that the teams will get this year but the GAA are set to gain an extra €1.5m due to the replay being held.
“There’s only so much of that you can do. The two teams that are lucky enough to get to the final are the lucky ones. But we made that gesture and we will do it again.
“But we’ll also use the extra money, and it’s a net million and a half, that’s what we made last year.
“That goes back to our games and we have a few serious projects that need funds throughout the country, and that goes straight into it.”
