SuperValu Sam: The GAA’s endless price increases
GAA supporters making their way through the turnstiles in Croke Park. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
The war in Ukraine had a knock-on effect when it came to the price of energy and fuels here. And the price of everything else, or so we’re told.
It must have been the reason for the GAA’s decision to increase their national league prices too.
A lot of leading columnists have little to say on prices. It appears they like to let it be known that they reside in the upper levels of the middle classes. They couldn’t possibly notice or be bothered by a few euros.
Article after article led with the heading “league ticket price rise”. Only one journalist spelled it out: “GAA announce third Allianz League price rise in six years”.
Every day of the week, the leading pundits have something to say about what’s wrong with the games. But the price is always right for the peasants.
Is it too much to ask why there are so many price rises? It must be unprecedented worldwide for an amateur organisation.
In 2018, it was €12 to attend Division One and Two League games. It then went to €15, and then €18 and now €20. That’s a 66 per cent price increase.
There is a saving if you buy the league package tickets, and “half league” tickets for four games, which is welcome.
But no sooner had followers digested this when they discovered another negative. There is no longer a ticket for their county’s first championship game of 2024. That has been removed. But the season ticket price remains the same. In other words, with the championship ticket removed, it also has seen a price rise.
The GAA did add that they will reveal details of “special championship packages” in the coming weeks. Championship matches are automatically dearer than league games, so you know the rest.
If a company increases its prices three times in quick succession, a percentage off a future bulk purchase is not a sale. In this neck of the woods, Sam has other words for it, such as “a gimic, a cod, a laugh, nonsense, and a complete load of what the bull leaves after him following a bowel movement.
While three price rises in six years is severe, it’s worth considering that prices have gone up twice in two years — by 33%.
In February, the GAA’s Director General said there would be no increase in championship prices after record €96m income and €2.5m surplus.
But we didn’t guess from that information that the league prices would be increasing again. Costs keep rising. But Croke Park doesn't give a detailed breakdown. It leaves followers feeling that they’re being taken for granted.
They will continue to be. For they never complain.
*A happy Christmas to one and all. Thanks to all the readers who took the time out to get in touch throughout the year. Wishing you health and happiness for 2024.
**Have you a question or comment or would you like something to be highlighted in this column? If so, email: supervalusam@gmail.com.
