Kelly Calls for GAA to Establish Fair Ticketing Rules for All Events in Their Stadiums

 Sean Kelly, MEP for Ireland and Leader of the Fine Gael Delegation, has called on the GAA to institute stricter rules governing ticket sales for all events held in their stadiums, following widespread public outcry over dynamic pricing during the recent Oasis concert ticket sales for Croke Park.

“Like most people, I was shocked and appalled when I saw how tickets for next year’s Oasis concert soared from €100 to €400 in a matter of hours,” said Kelly. “If this happened with All-Ireland final tickets, there would be absolute uproar. Could you imagine charging €100 for a ticket and then seeing it jump to €200, €300, or even €400 just because of high demand? It wouldn’t be tolerated.”

Kelly highlighted that while GAA matches maintain consistent ticket pricing, concerts held in GAA stadiums currently do not adhere to the same standards. “These concerts take place in GAA grounds, and I firmly believe that the same principles that apply to our matches should apply to concerts. There should be no ticket gouging, period.”

Kelly also noted that he has been actively addressing the issue in the European Parliament, calling for action to be taken at a European level. “Ticketmaster has a virtual monopoly in Ireland, and I have written to the European Commission to investigate whether they are exploiting their dominant position. I have called for Commissioner Vestager, European Commission’s competition chief, to investigate whether they are inflating prices unfairly. It’s time to ensure that ticket gouging is stopped in Ireland.”

Kelly emphasized the importance of fair pricing for all. “Everyone should pay the same price for a ticket, regardless of whether they purchase it at 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. Fair play for everyone – that’s what this should be about.”

The calls for regulation come after numerous fans expressed frustration over exorbitant prices and long waits to secure tickets for the highly anticipated concerts. “This issue is damaging not only to concert-goers but to Ireland’s reputation. We can’t go back to the days of ‘Rip-Off Ireland,’” Kelly said.

In conclusion, Kelly urged the GAA to take swift action. “I believe the GAA must step up and ensure that the same level of fairness applies to all events in their venues. This is about protecting consumers and ensuring that everyone can enjoy live events without being priced out.”