Jarlath Burns has defended the decision to increase All-Ireland final ticket prices to €100.

Despite admitting that ‘€100 is a lot’ for a seated ticket (terrace tickets have also seen a €5 hike to €55), the GAA president says the move will ultimately benefit the grassroots.

"I understand that there will certainly be eyebrows raised at that,” he said on RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland after the draw for the Tailteann Cup quarter-finals.

"It was a very big move for us to go to three figures, but remember, it's the first time since 2018 we've changed (prices). It's only the second time since 2011.

"We all know where inflation has gone, but I think our members understand that 83% of everything we earn is ploughed right back into the game. We have 350 coaches, we're spending €7m on those at the minute. That's going to go up to €12m. We're increasing that number, we're actually giving them better terms.”

The Armagh man added: "Over the next year we're going to spend €5m on our county grounds. Last year we gave €3m to our clubs in grants. That's going up to €4.5m next year and the year after up to €5m.

"If you have a child and you're bringing your child to the National League matches it's free into that. It was only €5 for a juvenile to get into all of the games in all of the championship matches so far.

"It is quite good value, but we do understand that €100 is a lot for an All-Ireland final ticket."

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