Alright I know there is a touchy health and safety issue surrounding this but seeing the final we have this year, would it not be fair to let the supporters of Donegal and especially Mayo (61 years now) have their day on the hallowed turf of Croke Park to celebrate?

I know its all fun and games until someone gets hurt, but for the day thats in it, would it not be just deserts for both teams loyal band of followers?

ahsure. (Galway) - Posts: 1730 - 17/09/2012 09:38:59    1267311

I get the whole H&S issue and that there are insurance considerations but in all the years that people spilled onto the field in Croke Park was anyone ever actually seriously hurt?

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9908 - 17/09/2012 09:57:44    1267322

Just look at how the Dubs were allowed to celebrate last year. They remained on the pitch long after they lifted sam. They ran to the hill and and done a lap of honour. for the fans. If they had the barriers down this time the players would be on the pitch no lent of time and celebrations would be short lived. Would it not be nice to keep them up and for whoever wins cherish the moment for how long it lasts...

DUB1 (Dublin) - Posts: 5583 - 17/09/2012 10:14:00    1267347

I don't really think the GAA can start making exceptions dependant on what teams are playing. It's either keep them up permanently or take them down permanently.

Keane16 (Kerry) - Posts: 306 - 17/09/2012 10:15:39    1267350

Take them down permanently, friggin killjoys.

killer_88_ (Mayo) - Posts: 2040 - 17/09/2012 10:26:43    1267364

We can all debate again about the rights and wrongs of health and safety but really one these days GAA supporters are going to have to get their heads around the fact that the players don't even want fans on the pitch. We all love to think we're in it together but the reality is the teams would rather have the time and space to celebrate in their own way. And best of luck to them, they deserve it. it's more about the players than any of us. And whoever wins on Sunday it's going to be one of the most memorable moments of the supporters' lives whether you get on the pitch or not!

Most importantly though losing teams deserve the right to exit the field gracefully and not getting pushed around or worse by opposition supporters. And that's not a modern phenomenon. It goes right back to 1982 when Charlie Nelligan got a box after the final whistle after the five in a row final and probably even further.

doublehop (Kildare) - Posts: 4172 - 17/09/2012 10:38:42    1267376

Lads the best post match celebratioins I experienced was league final on 2007 against Mayo, one of the first times that the fans were not allowed on the pitch. It was fantastic, the team done a lap of honour, they got the prentation done and then they went back on the pitch while they played the hills of donegal. I really hope regardless of who wins that the fans stay of the pitch, the celebrations will be far better.

fatfrog (Donegal) - Posts: 200 - 17/09/2012 10:53:38    1267385

It's a tricky one but I can guarantee whatever plans are in place fans will be on the field, its envitable. Dublin fans were different last year because they are used to winning in Croke Park on Leinster Final day and therefore don't do pitch invasions. Donegal and Mayo usually take to the field after a final win and Sunday will be no different.
The one big thing against pitch invasions is the losing players. Can you imagine the heartache of losing an All Ireland final itself never mind having thousands of opposing spectators flooding past you and all around you, some maybe giving cheek or worse as one other poster mentioned happening before.
I think the GAA should realise that Plan A definately won't work. The fans of the winning team will be delighted but lads please give the losing team ample time to make their way off the field before you set a foot on it, its the least they deserve. I will stay in my seat and celebrate with my friends and family if Donegal win but I can safely say that 90% of both Mayo and Donegal supporters will be on the field if their team wins, 1992 and 1951 were a long time ago.

Tir Conaill Abu (Donegal) - Posts: 1677 - 17/09/2012 11:06:05    1267389

Having paid 80 to 90 quid for a ticket, i'll be staying in my seat. Dont understand the need to be on the pitch after the game. People were perfectly happy to stay in their seats for the hour and a half before that. Give the players the room they deserve because the last thing they need is people clambering all over them, worse still is if a player is assulted as another poster said. Winners can parade the cup around the pitch for all to enjoy. Give the losers space. Their year has just ended in the worst possible fashion. Give them the respect they deserve. Fans cant be selfish thinking its their day only.

Bain (Donegal) - Posts: 470 - 17/09/2012 12:09:06    1267445

I think in situations where people invade the playing pitch after All-Ireland and provincial finals kids are often forgotten about not intentionally mind you but they can be left behind or find themselves detached from a parent or guardian in the stampede to get onto the field. Very unsafe and very dangerous.

squidword (Louth) - Posts: 2897 - 17/09/2012 12:09:21    1267446

I was initially against stopping people coming but having seen the league hurling final last year and the football final, it is much better to have the players the run of the pitch. That way everyone gets to see them and not just those who can get onto the pitch. And it is not safe. GAA can't ignore the lessons of other sports in other countries. Only need to have one bad day with a crowd and you are talking disaster.

hurlingdub (Dublin) - Posts: 6978 - 17/09/2012 12:19:24    1267465

Only need to have one bad day with a crowd and you are talking disaster.

Totally agree with you there...

DUB1 (Dublin) - Posts: 5583 - 17/09/2012 13:28:41    1267543

I cant see fans of either county being allowed on the pitch to be honest. The GAA have taken a strict stance on this and especially with all the media coverage of Hillsborough - crowd safety will be in the minds of everybody.

yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 11697 - 17/09/2012 14:04:09    1267588

yew_tree
County: Mayo
Posts: 3906

1267588
I cant see fans of either county being allowed on the pitch to be honest. The GAA have taken a strict stance on this and especially with all the media coverage of Hillsborough - crowd safety will be in the minds of everybody.

The media coverage regarding Hillsborough should be a reason to remove barriers, not keep them in place yew_tree.

AfricanGael (UK) - Posts: 1947 - 17/09/2012 14:30:33    1267620

Yes..... the country is stone mad crazt on H+S.

kikfada (Louth) - Posts: 2091 - 17/09/2012 14:35:33    1267629

its a tough one to call , but i can see the Plan B signs lighting up already to be honest , the excitment and eurphiora will be too much for either set of supporterrs

HurlerOnTheFenc (Mayo) - Posts: 282 - 17/09/2012 14:38:21    1267632

Listen when the barriers were not taken down for the Dubs, the rest of ye havent a hope in hell!!! and proper order!!!!...

Mollymalone (Dublin) - Posts: 1137 - 17/09/2012 14:51:50    1267654

The barriers wont be going anywere. Croke park have the pitch invasion well sussed out at this stage. The players should be allowed there moment on the pitch to either celebrate or comiserate with each other. Plenty of time afterwards for the back slapping, stay in your seat and enjoy the moment.

Down and out (Down) - Posts: 65 - 17/09/2012 15:19:44    1267687

Players,

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 17/09/2012 15:54:25    1267716

Players both on the winning and losing sides deserve the chance to celebrate/commiserate on their own with their teammates and management without tens of thousands of fans engulfing them. The supporters can celebrate with the players anytime in the days and weeks after the game has been played. The moments directly after the final whistle should be left to the players and management teams to celebrate as they see fit without supporters engulfing them
Also from a fan watching on tv i always feel the players celebrating and consouling the opposition is better than seeing every player engulfed by the winning sides supporters

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 17/09/2012 15:57:59    1267718