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The Corona Virus And Possible Effects To GAA Matches

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Replying To Greenfield:  "Fresh air is not going to pay the mortgage for people who might be struggling either.

This was a sly, underhanded attempt by the GAA (which was at one stage a movement, not a business) to stick it to people they think they can because those people have shown they are loyal by buying season tickets and will probably come back anyway.

Money has destroyed the association. There are people on big wages to make decisions like this, like adding hurling matches to the calendar without amending the TV rights, like renewing competition sponsorship for competitions that may change format, like destroying the integrity of competitions with funding imbalances. There is no vision from top brass and a series of nonsensical decisions.

If the GAA lose money and can't afford to pay the people making these decisions, I say fine. Let the whole thing burn and we can start again from the bottom up."
This from the Examiner:

"However, the GAA stressed it is within its rights to adjust the small print of the loyalty scheme without making holders aware of such changes.

A latter clause reads: "GAA may make changes and update these terms and conditions at any time without further notice to you"It is your sole responsibility to check the terms and conditions periodically, because your continued use of the Season Ticket will mean you accept those changes and updates."

So basically, if own a season ticket you need to check the T&C's every single day, just in case they might have changed, because the GAA is not going to tell you.

Cockney_Cat (UK) - Posts: 2866 - 29/04/2020 10:08:23    2276976

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Replying To Greenfield:  "Fresh air is not going to pay the mortgage for people who might be struggling either.

This was a sly, underhanded attempt by the GAA (which was at one stage a movement, not a business) to stick it to people they think they can because those people have shown they are loyal by buying season tickets and will probably come back anyway.

Money has destroyed the association. There are people on big wages to make decisions like this, like adding hurling matches to the calendar without amending the TV rights, like renewing competition sponsorship for competitions that may change format, like destroying the integrity of competitions with funding imbalances. There is no vision from top brass and a series of nonsensical decisions.

If the GAA lose money and can't afford to pay the people making these decisions, I say fine. Let the whole thing burn and we can start again from the bottom up."
It's not sly at all. If people are struggling with mortgage then paying for season tickets etc isnt best thing they should be purchasing. No?
Gaa is still a movement but nothing happens in gaa without substantial money to run things and that's where season tickets and TV income and general ticket income comes in.
Are there really many on big money in the gaa and what, by the way, do you consider as big money?

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3789 - 29/04/2020 10:12:48    2276977

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Replying To KillingFields:  "It's not sly at all. If people are struggling with mortgage then paying for season tickets etc isnt best thing they should be purchasing. No?
Gaa is still a movement but nothing happens in gaa without substantial money to run things and that's where season tickets and TV income and general ticket income comes in.
Are there really many on big money in the gaa and what, by the way, do you consider as big money?"
Jesus you haven't a clue. Moving the goalposts to suit themselves instead of helping their members. ShootIing themselves in the foot. All they needed was to give a discount for next year.

This is shady at best from an assosiation that is well able to deal with a short term financial hit. They are probably in breach of E.U law as well and I have no doubt will end up reversing their decision proving my point. Dreadful PR.

TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 8458 - 29/04/2020 11:49:39    2276989

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Replying To KillingFields:  "It's not sly at all. If people are struggling with mortgage then paying for season tickets etc isnt best thing they should be purchasing. No?
Gaa is still a movement but nothing happens in gaa without substantial money to run things and that's where season tickets and TV income and general ticket income comes in.
Are there really many on big money in the gaa and what, by the way, do you consider as big money?"
Hey the GAA is in it's RIGHTS to do this but do you not see it as a bit sneaky? It's beneath a family friendly entity like the GAA in my humble opinion.

Trump2020 (Galway) - Posts: 2590 - 29/04/2020 11:59:29    2276990

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Replying To KillingFields:  "It's not sly at all. If people are struggling with mortgage then paying for season tickets etc isnt best thing they should be purchasing. No?
Gaa is still a movement but nothing happens in gaa without substantial money to run things and that's where season tickets and TV income and general ticket income comes in.
Are there really many on big money in the gaa and what, by the way, do you consider as big money?"
It is 100% sly.

And your comment above about what people should be doing with their own money is breathtaking in its ignorance. Did you think that maybe they were not struggling before the pandemic i.e. when they bought the ticket?? There are people unemployed now that have never experienced it or expected it and it has come at them out of the blue. I can only give thanks that I still have my job.

As I said in my first post on the matter I and I believe many others would have accepted a token discount on next years ticket as we can hardly blame the GAA for these once in a lifetime events. However to come out and state that it was in their Terms and Conditions, when it wasn't, and then change them leaves a sour taste. There was no need to mislead loyal supporters.

Just for the record your comment about the "GAA being a business" as some sort of justification does not add up. I strongly believe the GAA should be run like a business and let me tell you that most businesses would not behave in that fashion. e.g. Ryanair, the most hard nosed business of them all, are processing vouchers and refunds (although with a delay due to volume). Aer Lingus the same. Yes the are trying to encourage people to take the vouchers and not refunds but none of them are changing the small print!

Funnily enough I agree with your last point. It takes a lot of money to run the GAA and it needs the income. Also there are always generic comments thrown out about people on big money that do not stand up to scrutiny. But again there are ways of doing things.......the right way and the gaa (sneaky) way.

Mayonman (Galway) - Posts: 1928 - 29/04/2020 12:11:30    2276991

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French and Dutch leagues cancelled. Talk of Olympics even in doubt next year, yet a few here think the Gaa will be back in a few months

FoolsGold (Cavan) - Posts: 2894 - 29/04/2020 12:17:29    2276992

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Replying To Mayonman:  "It is 100% sly.

And your comment above about what people should be doing with their own money is breathtaking in its ignorance. Did you think that maybe they were not struggling before the pandemic i.e. when they bought the ticket?? There are people unemployed now that have never experienced it or expected it and it has come at them out of the blue. I can only give thanks that I still have my job.

As I said in my first post on the matter I and I believe many others would have accepted a token discount on next years ticket as we can hardly blame the GAA for these once in a lifetime events. However to come out and state that it was in their Terms and Conditions, when it wasn't, and then change them leaves a sour taste. There was no need to mislead loyal supporters.

Just for the record your comment about the "GAA being a business" as some sort of justification does not add up. I strongly believe the GAA should be run like a business and let me tell you that most businesses would not behave in that fashion. e.g. Ryanair, the most hard nosed business of them all, are processing vouchers and refunds (although with a delay due to volume). Aer Lingus the same. Yes the are trying to encourage people to take the vouchers and not refunds but none of them are changing the small print!

Funnily enough I agree with your last point. It takes a lot of money to run the GAA and it needs the income. Also there are always generic comments thrown out about people on big money that do not stand up to scrutiny. But again there are ways of doing things.......the right way and the gaa (sneaky) way."
Gaa doesnt run on fresh air. There is likely to be curtailed championship this year so income will be decimated so keeping some income has to happen.
It's not sly at all. It's what businesses need to do
You cant compare the gaa to Ryanair in terms of how it makes its money.

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3789 - 29/04/2020 12:21:32    2276993

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Eh, am I missing something here? Has the GAA announced that the remaining fixtures covered by the season ticket are cancelled, because I haven't seen that. The reason I haven't seen that is because it hasn't happened. Thus talk of refunds of season tickets are not relevant yet as the GAA HAS said publicly that it intends to play the remaining season later this year if possible and if not, then in 2021. As long as that is the case then season tickets are still valid.
If games do not go ahead, then the issue changes but we are not at that point yet.
The one thing we can say is if the season is called off - then you can expect the GAA to stand up an do the right thing by the community, as they have since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. People from all levels of the GAA have been out helping vulnerable members of their community since this emergency kicked off - from All-Ireland winning players, to managers and club people all over Ireland.
I must have missed the coverage of the soccer and rugby clubs doing likewise.

Roger (Meath) - Posts: 480 - 29/04/2020 12:39:07    2276994

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Amazing that this has not been clarified.

Pre-Existing Clauses

22. In the event that a match is postponed or abandoned and re-fixed there will be
no additional charge to the purchaser for entry to the re-fixture. There are no
refunds for such an occurrence.
23. In the event that a match is cancelled and not re-fixed the purchaser's Credit
Card or Debit Card will be refunded the amount paid for that fixture.


Added

In the event of the GAA Season, Allianz National League or Championship
being postponed, due to circumstances outside of the control of the GAA
(Natural Disaster, Pandemic, etc.) there will be no refunds available for GAA
Season Tickets.

I really don't see what the issue is here? both say the same thing except for the fact that the additional clause is a catch all to cover every game not a specific game which is what has happened. Had they went and postponed each individual game and refixed it there would be no difference - its just the way that it happened.

This is standard practice for all events - you do not get any refunds unless its cancelled. I think this is what people on here are confusing. They are not saying that the games won't be held - they are postponed.

zinny (Wexford) - Posts: 2025 - 29/04/2020 12:41:27    2276995

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Replying To KillingFields:  "
Replying To Mayonman:  "It is 100% sly.

And your comment above about what people should be doing with their own money is breathtaking in its ignorance. Did you think that maybe they were not struggling before the pandemic i.e. when they bought the ticket?? There are people unemployed now that have never experienced it or expected it and it has come at them out of the blue. I can only give thanks that I still have my job.

As I said in my first post on the matter I and I believe many others would have accepted a token discount on next years ticket as we can hardly blame the GAA for these once in a lifetime events. However to come out and state that it was in their Terms and Conditions, when it wasn't, and then change them leaves a sour taste. There was no need to mislead loyal supporters.

Just for the record your comment about the "GAA being a business" as some sort of justification does not add up. I strongly believe the GAA should be run like a business and let me tell you that most businesses would not behave in that fashion. e.g. Ryanair, the most hard nosed business of them all, are processing vouchers and refunds (although with a delay due to volume). Aer Lingus the same. Yes the are trying to encourage people to take the vouchers and not refunds but none of them are changing the small print!

Funnily enough I agree with your last point. It takes a lot of money to run the GAA and it needs the income. Also there are always generic comments thrown out about people on big money that do not stand up to scrutiny. But again there are ways of doing things.......the right way and the gaa (sneaky) way."
Gaa doesnt run on fresh air. There is likely to be curtailed championship this year so income will be decimated so keeping some income has to happen.
It's not sly at all. It's what businesses need to do
You cant compare the gaa to Ryanair in terms of how it makes its money."
It's simple both are extremely alike, both require bums on seats to make money. A chap from consumer association was on Newstalk with Pat Kenny earlier and said what GAA has done is against European law. They have to offer a refund for the remaining games or an alternative. They cannot say tough luck. But it's not the first time we've seen this type of thing from the grab all association.
https://www.google.ie/amp/s/www.balls.ie/amp/gaa/gaa-fans-uproar-shambolic-mismanagement-postponed-games-380815

Remember this shambles? They offered vouchers for the postponed fixture and if you couldn't make it to the postponed fixture tough luck.

To treat the GAAs most loyal supporters, the season ticket holders with such contempt is a disgrace. To come along after the breakout of Covid 19 and insert a new clause like this is deplorable. They have no problem taking money but do not want to let it back.

As for the poor argument that it goes to clubs, well they won't need it this year. There will be no floodlights on, no hot showers needed no maintenance to pitches when there is nobody aloud in the gate of any club in the country.

Good day sir

The_Fonz (Westmeath) - Posts: 214 - 29/04/2020 12:49:32    2276996

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Replying To KillingFields:  "It's not sly at all. If people are struggling with mortgage then paying for season tickets etc isnt best thing they should be purchasing. No?
Gaa is still a movement but nothing happens in gaa without substantial money to run things and that's where season tickets and TV income and general ticket income comes in.
Are there really many on big money in the gaa and what, by the way, do you consider as big money?"
I think you are being argumentative just for the sake of it so I'll leave it at this with you.

As someone else said there was a huge change in a lot of people's circumstances between when they bought their tickets and when the GAA pulled this stunt.

If you're thinking the GAA is a business, then any business worth it's salt knows that the customer is king.

I can guarantee you that there is plenty that happens in the GAA without substantial money. The top level of the games have lost the run of their costs but go to any club with underage academies etc and you'll see plenty of volunteers doing excellent work in their communities.

I don't know where you're going asking what I consider big money, but that's not a topic I'll be getting into here.

Greenfield (Meath) - Posts: 524 - 29/04/2020 14:17:36    2277009

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Replying To Greenfield:  "I think you are being argumentative just for the sake of it so I'll leave it at this with you.

As someone else said there was a huge change in a lot of people's circumstances between when they bought their tickets and when the GAA pulled this stunt.

If you're thinking the GAA is a business, then any business worth it's salt knows that the customer is king.

I can guarantee you that there is plenty that happens in the GAA without substantial money. The top level of the games have lost the run of their costs but go to any club with underage academies etc and you'll see plenty of volunteers doing excellent work in their communities.

I don't know where you're going asking what I consider big money, but that's not a topic I'll be getting into here."
There may have been changes but that doesnt mean they're entitled to a refund. The customer may be king but you cant give refunds on season tickets like this as it's completely unsustainable.
There wasnt a stunt pulled by the gaa as it's what any business in same position would do. Now gaa could offer incentives or vouchers against future purchases of season tickets to any affected here but no business or sporting organisation can afford to just refund every customer with tickets.
Underage teams etc still rely on extensive support that isnt for free.

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3789 - 29/04/2020 15:05:43    2277012

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Replying To Greenfield:  "I think you are being argumentative just for the sake of it so I'll leave it at this with you.

As someone else said there was a huge change in a lot of people's circumstances between when they bought their tickets and when the GAA pulled this stunt.

If you're thinking the GAA is a business, then any business worth it's salt knows that the customer is king.

I can guarantee you that there is plenty that happens in the GAA without substantial money. The top level of the games have lost the run of their costs but go to any club with underage academies etc and you'll see plenty of volunteers doing excellent work in their communities.

I don't know where you're going asking what I consider big money, but that's not a topic I'll be getting into here."
Not doing anything to be argumentative for the sake of it.
Yes there is lots of volunteers but all gaa grounds facilities aren't run on nothing so...
And what actual moneywise do you see as big money? Is it 10000, 2000 which exactly? Ball park.
It hasn't been a stunt from the gaa. Its prudent matters necessary to be able to run as normal or as close to that into the future when we get back to normal.
The customer may be king but if you dont have enough resources to be able to support that customer then what's the point.

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3789 - 29/04/2020 16:27:18    2277017

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Replying To KillingFields:  "There may have been changes but that doesnt mean they're entitled to a refund. The customer may be king but you cant give refunds on season tickets like this as it's completely unsustainable.
There wasnt a stunt pulled by the gaa as it's what any business in same position would do. Now gaa could offer incentives or vouchers against future purchases of season tickets to any affected here but no business or sporting organisation can afford to just refund every customer with tickets.
Underage teams etc still rely on extensive support that isnt for free."
It just has a bad look to it. In times like this it's kind of tacky looking. Why else the uproar? There's a lot of people turned off by this and it could hurt the GAA in the future. I hope I'm wrong.

Trump2020 (Galway) - Posts: 2590 - 29/04/2020 16:35:29    2277023

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Replying To KillingFields:  "There may have been changes but that doesnt mean they're entitled to a refund. The customer may be king but you cant give refunds on season tickets like this as it's completely unsustainable.
There wasnt a stunt pulled by the gaa as it's what any business in same position would do. Now gaa could offer incentives or vouchers against future purchases of season tickets to any affected here but no business or sporting organisation can afford to just refund every customer with tickets.
Underage teams etc still rely on extensive support that isnt for free."
Ha ha bravo Ormo. That's what people are saying. Do you read posts? They could have been out in front and offered incentives but they didn't. It was a stunt, the GAA isn't any other business. There has never been a situation like this. Businesses will act differently depending on their customer, profits and type of organisation. I employ 12 people full time and have done for the last 6 years and we will be fine but we are all adjusting. Other companies won't survive and will have to lay off. The GAA are not in trouble and their full time employees won't be long term despite the tough financial year.

The GAA could easily have worked out what hit they could take for this year and next year and still be in great financial shape, which they are. Now they will get the PR team into overdrive and offer the very things we pointed out they should have before making sudden changes.

TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 8458 - 29/04/2020 16:38:50    2277024

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every one on this website wants season suspended maybe for 2 years as i see it . i think the matches can be played behind closed doors and might have to if no supporters can go to matches for at least for 2 years . i am suprised by result of poll if it goes on by longer then a year i think the result does not factor that in to it . all matches for all counties should be streamed online and give something back for season ticket holders.

lor12 (Wicklow) - Posts: 254 - 29/04/2020 17:21:28    2277029

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Some people are saying the GAA is acting like any business, however, I'm not aware of many businesses would try to diddle their most loyal customers who also happen to be shareholders in that business. It seems like a bad strategy. Sure, it ensures the GAA keeps the cash (to spend on what?) in the short term but how many will never get season tickets again?

Morty (Westmeath) - Posts: 209 - 29/04/2020 17:22:54    2277030

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Replying To FoolsGold:  "French and Dutch leagues cancelled. Talk of Olympics even in doubt next year, yet a few here think the Gaa will be back in a few months"
not only that but also declared null and void, liverpool fans will be shittin themselves

lilypad (Kildare) - Posts: 1363 - 29/04/2020 17:49:33    2277032

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Replying To KillingFields:  "Not doing anything to be argumentative for the sake of it.
Yes there is lots of volunteers but all gaa grounds facilities aren't run on nothing so...
And what actual moneywise do you see as big money? Is it 10000, 2000 which exactly? Ball park.
It hasn't been a stunt from the gaa. Its prudent matters necessary to be able to run as normal or as close to that into the future when we get back to normal.
The customer may be king but if you dont have enough resources to be able to support that customer then what's the point."
Are you working for the gaa killing fields? The reason I ask is because I don't know anyone besides you who would be OK with what the gaa did.

We as customers didn't receive what we paid for so we should entitled to a refund or free season tickets for next year.

Can I ask are you a season ticket holder?

KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 29/04/2020 17:53:28    2277033

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Replying To Morty:  "Some people are saying the GAA is acting like any business, however, I'm not aware of many businesses would try to diddle their most loyal customers who also happen to be shareholders in that business. It seems like a bad strategy. Sure, it ensures the GAA keeps the cash (to spend on what?) in the short term but how many will never get season tickets again?"
The gaa have bought a massive farm in meath to grow their own pitches, they have also bought clonlife college which they plan to build another massive hotel on and 5/6 full size pitches, I mean what is that about?

Then the feck over their supporters what a joke.

The gaa is loaded with old money going back years, with the grab all its all about the cash.

KingdomBoy1 (Kerry) - Posts: 14092 - 29/04/2020 17:59:44    2277034

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