Politicians Call For Cash Payments At Kildare GAA Turnstiles To Return

Thursday, 9 February 2023 11:35

By Caoimhe Harney

Tickets can only be bought online or at participating stores

Stopping the practice of cash payments at GAA matches has been described as an "exclusionist policy."

There have been calls across political parties for the GAA to reverse the decision to stop cash payments at GAA matches

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Wednesday in the Dáil in response to an Aontú question stated that he supports the ability of GAA fans to purchase match tickets with cash.

Aontú leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín commented: “The GAA have introduce of policy of getting rid of cash at GAA matches.

"This is the wrong decision. It means that many people, especially older people who cannot buy GAA tickets on line or use technology are in effect banned from matches.

"I know of older people who have gone to matches recently seeking to buy tickets at the gates to gain energy but were refused. Its desperately sad to see.

“The GAA is a wonderful organisation. It is the most successful community organisation in the country. That’s why its so disappointing to see this policy introduced.

"This policy is an exclusionist policy. Its hitting those who were isolated the most during the covid crisis the hardest. Age Action NI has recently come out publicly against this on the basis that it hurt older people the most.

"AIB was forced to reverse its policy when they sought to get rid of cash in their branches in regional towns and I strongly believe the GAA should do likewise”.

"Cavan Aontú Councillor Sarah O’Reilly stared the campaign to return the ability to fans to purchase GAA tickets with cash months ago and it is now gathering steam.

"Aontú is campaigning north and south for the reintroduction of cash at at least one turnstile at each match.

"And we call on the GAA listen to listen the concerns being raised and ensure that people no matter their age or technological ability are able to gain entry into matches," he concluded