More calls for GAA to reverse cashless policy

The issue of cash not being accepted at turnstiles for entry to GAA games has once again caused heart rates to spike at County Hall.

At Monday’s full meeting of Cork County Council, Fermoy Independent councillor Peter O'Donoghue brought forward a motion calling on the GAA to immediately make it possible for spectators to again be able to use cash for entry at all GAA games.

Cllr O’Donoghue said that although he has great respect for the GAA, like all organisations, “it has its flaws”.

“When something is flawed, it must be highlighted and addressed,” he said.

Cllr O’Donoghue said the GAA’s policy not to accept cash for ticket payment at the gates of matches is “a very wrong policy” which isolates, alienates, and discriminates against those who only use cash.

The policy was introduced by the GAA last year.

Cllr O’Donoghue said: “These people are often the most vulnerable in our society, including our elderly, intellectually disabled, recent immigrants, homeless, and poor. It is a policy which might be legally permitted at this time, but it is a policy that is both morally and ethically wrong,” he added.

Independent Fermoy Councillor William O'Leary supported the motion but pointed out that the online cashless ticket system has worked well for bigger games and All-Ireland finals where he said there was never an option to pay at the gate.

“For the bigger events, it’s actually eliminated the ticket touts or has gone a long way towards doing that,” Cllr O’Leary said.

“But certainly, as you work your way down to the grassroots you do need the option for both, particularly here in Cork because we have 365 clubs,” he added.

However, Fianna Fáil Councillor for Fermoy, Frank O'Flynn, who welcomed the discussion, said attendance numbers at matches have risen “considerably” at all levels in recent times and claimed cash is accepted at all gates he is aware of in North Cork. “It’s also accepted at all gates in the East Cork division.

“I want the word to go out loud and clear that at no stage whatsoever has anyone gone to a match without a ticket in their hand, been refused at the gate, and I can stand over that in the Cork county,” he added.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll, said wholeheartedly supported the motion, saying he finds if “very offensive” that cash would not be accepted for anything.

The Cork Independent reached out to the GAA for comment on the issue but none was received before going to print.