National Forum

Late opening of gates at Croke Park on Sunday.

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Maybe some journalist might ask why the gates on Jones Road didn't open till just after 1pm on Sunday, with thousands standing outside in the down pour of rain. It led to a massive rush when they did open with some older people left vulnerable. What's the story, is it to cut staff costs, cleaning from the previous day not completed, mismanagement, what ? Allied to the damage to the pitch which was in terrible shape, is it too much too ask them to open the gates earlier. It's not like there stuck for a bob or two with all the concerts. Gaa spectators & players should be a priority in Croke Park.

moc.dna (Galway) - Posts: 1212 - 31/07/2017 18:02:25    2026828

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Replying To moc.dna:  "Maybe some journalist might ask why the gates on Jones Road didn't open till just after 1pm on Sunday, with thousands standing outside in the down pour of rain. It led to a massive rush when they did open with some older people left vulnerable. What's the story, is it to cut staff costs, cleaning from the previous day not completed, mismanagement, what ? Allied to the damage to the pitch which was in terrible shape, is it too much too ask them to open the gates earlier. It's not like there stuck for a bob or two with all the concerts. Gaa spectators & players should be a priority in Croke Park."
Staff costs. Stewards get paid by the hour. Would you pay a higher ticket price to get in a bit earlier to watch grass grow?

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1105 - 31/07/2017 22:40:29    2027025

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Replying To tirawleybaron:  "Staff costs. Stewards get paid by the hour. Would you pay a higher ticket price to get in a bit earlier to watch grass grow?"
What a stupid reply, watching the grass grow, ffs. As one of those queuing outside in the lashing rain, if the price of our tickets, 65,000 by an average of €35 & the Coldplay & U2 concert can't cover the staff costs then greed really has taken over in Croke Park. I'm pretty sure if we bothered to find out, the wages paid aren't far off minimum wage rates as well. Patrons are asked to enter the Stadium early in every programme & many get in early to meet up with others for a chat & a drink. Some like to eat there & with queues for bars & restaurants it all takes time. The purpose of having these facilities is that patrons use them. Anyone defending this & deeming it as in early to watch the grass grow is either working for Croke Park or has the grass growing between their two ears, defending the indefensible.

Uimhir.a.3. (Galway) - Posts: 409 - 01/08/2017 00:13:03    2027082

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Replying To Uimhir.a.3.:  "What a stupid reply, watching the grass grow, ffs. As one of those queuing outside in the lashing rain, if the price of our tickets, 65,000 by an average of €35 & the Coldplay & U2 concert can't cover the staff costs then greed really has taken over in Croke Park. I'm pretty sure if we bothered to find out, the wages paid aren't far off minimum wage rates as well. Patrons are asked to enter the Stadium early in every programme & many get in early to meet up with others for a chat & a drink. Some like to eat there & with queues for bars & restaurants it all takes time. The purpose of having these facilities is that patrons use them. Anyone defending this & deeming it as in early to watch the grass grow is either working for Croke Park or has the grass growing between their two ears, defending the indefensible."
Agree should be open at least two hours before the first game not everyone likes standing in packed pubs, surprised they don't open sooner to be honest considering they sell food and drink.

Royal.Legend (Meath) - Posts: 665 - 01/08/2017 09:47:18    2027151

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Replying To Uimhir.a.3.:  "What a stupid reply, watching the grass grow, ffs. As one of those queuing outside in the lashing rain, if the price of our tickets, 65,000 by an average of €35 & the Coldplay & U2 concert can't cover the staff costs then greed really has taken over in Croke Park. I'm pretty sure if we bothered to find out, the wages paid aren't far off minimum wage rates as well. Patrons are asked to enter the Stadium early in every programme & many get in early to meet up with others for a chat & a drink. Some like to eat there & with queues for bars & restaurants it all takes time. The purpose of having these facilities is that patrons use them. Anyone defending this & deeming it as in early to watch the grass grow is either working for Croke Park or has the grass growing between their two ears, defending the indefensible."
Great reply, definitely should be open earlier than an hour before throw in.

Dubsfan28 (Dublin) - Posts: 2509 - 01/08/2017 10:49:30    2027195

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There were 2 matches there Saturday evening so I'd imagine the cleaning up, restocking the shops and toilets etc on Sunday morning is why gates didn't open till 1pm

butters1990 (Kildare) - Posts: 262 - 01/08/2017 14:58:48    2027405

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Agree totally, stupid reply from tirwaley i was there early and me and my two young sons among thousands who got soaked. It was a disgrace the gatea werent open at 1230 and furthermore if the gates were not going to be open till one it should have been stated clearly on the tickets!

theshamen (Mayo) - Posts: 129 - 01/08/2017 15:14:39    2027414

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I have been attending games at Croke Park for nearly fifty years and never experienced such a shambles as on Sunday. As is my wont I arrived early hoping to meet up with friends, grab a bite to eat, have a social drink and settle in my spot for the two games.

On arrival at Jones' Road at 12.30 I thought there was a security issue such were the numbers of people outside the grounds. On approaching the Hogan entrance I was told that the gates were not open and nobody knew when they actually would open. Then the heavens opened and people scampered for whatever bit of shelter was available (which was practically none). Everybody got soaked.

This was miserable and when we were finally admitted at 1.05pm most early comers were soaked to the skin at this stage and this led to a very uncomfortable afternoon for all concerned with damp shirts & trouser's etc.

This was a disgraceful act by Croke Park management and shower real disdain for the supporters of Kerry, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. It also led to a dangerous crush situation when the gates did eventually open such was the now gathered throng outside as the flow of people towards the turnstiles was further impeded by the new security searches.

My ticket stub clearly states - " Patrons are requested to arrive at least one hour before the main game begins in order to avoid congestion". This both I and thousands of others did and to have the gates still closed on our arrival was as I have already stated disgraceful and dangerous.

dingle2 (Kerry) - Posts: 278 - 01/08/2017 21:59:39    2027634

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Replying To dingle2:  "I have been attending games at Croke Park for nearly fifty years and never experienced such a shambles as on Sunday. As is my wont I arrived early hoping to meet up with friends, grab a bite to eat, have a social drink and settle in my spot for the two games.

On arrival at Jones' Road at 12.30 I thought there was a security issue such were the numbers of people outside the grounds. On approaching the Hogan entrance I was told that the gates were not open and nobody knew when they actually would open. Then the heavens opened and people scampered for whatever bit of shelter was available (which was practically none). Everybody got soaked.

This was miserable and when we were finally admitted at 1.05pm most early comers were soaked to the skin at this stage and this led to a very uncomfortable afternoon for all concerned with damp shirts & trouser's etc.

This was a disgraceful act by Croke Park management and shower real disdain for the supporters of Kerry, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. It also led to a dangerous crush situation when the gates did eventually open such was the now gathered throng outside as the flow of people towards the turnstiles was further impeded by the new security searches.

My ticket stub clearly states - " Patrons are requested to arrive at least one hour before the main game begins in order to avoid congestion". This both I and thousands of others did and to have the gates still closed on our arrival was as I have already stated disgraceful and dangerous."
It was a complete shambles. The Galway bus crawling it's way through thousands of people at the back of Cusack was a health and safety hazard in itself. Queues backed up to the walls or snaking along the grass at the hill. People soaked, children crying while the lads with megaphones at the top stood around giving absolutely no information and getting angry with people who were questioning what was going on. Only in Ireland could you tell people to come an hour early and then fail to give an explanation or apology as to why the gates are locked.

Fally2014 (Roscommon) - Posts: 25 - 01/08/2017 23:54:45    2027671

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It was the same thing at the Leinster football final they only opened the gates to the hill 30 minutes before throw in for the minor final.

hill16no1man (Dublin) - Posts: 12665 - 02/08/2017 08:35:57    2027707

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Replying To moc.dna:  "Maybe some journalist might ask why the gates on Jones Road didn't open till just after 1pm on Sunday, with thousands standing outside in the down pour of rain. It led to a massive rush when they did open with some older people left vulnerable. What's the story, is it to cut staff costs, cleaning from the previous day not completed, mismanagement, what ? Allied to the damage to the pitch which was in terrible shape, is it too much too ask them to open the gates earlier. It's not like there stuck for a bob or two with all the concerts. Gaa spectators & players should be a priority in Croke Park."
Have you complained to HQ?

GaaGaa78 (UK) - Posts: 285 - 02/08/2017 09:15:58    2027720

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Seems a farce from Croke Park ... are they gone that penny pinching that the are cutting staffs hours to the bare minimum ?
Most of the staff are minimum wage and many east European ... where will it all end and are we at the bottom in terms of employees terms and hours ?

hurler32 (Limerick) - Posts: 867 - 03/08/2017 13:19:58    2028389

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No chance Dublin fans would be allowed get drowned by lashing rain trying to get in, no chance the GAA would dare upset the golden goose

PluckyUnderdog (Kerry) - Posts: 25 - 03/08/2017 13:41:36    2028410

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Replying To GaaGaa78:  "Have you complained to HQ?"
No, pointless. I used to bring underage teams to Dublin to matches, play a challenge & go & visit the museum in Croke Park. I complained on a number of occasions to officials in Croke Park when booking it, over the fact that despite that we were all fully paid up Gaa members, we paid the same price as the tourists, no discount whatsoever for members, members who pay affiliation & registration fees to Croke Park. Did I get anywhere with my complaint, not a bit. Will this thread make a difference, no. The only action that might be taken is after Jim Gavin complaining about the pitch, I think that will be rectified for Sunday for obvious reasons. One only has to listen to those trying to justify all their actions to realise that the Gaa member & supporter is secondary to the revenue raising exercises.

moc.dna (Galway) - Posts: 1212 - 03/08/2017 15:45:40    2028466

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Replying To PluckyUnderdog:  "No chance Dublin fans would be allowed get drowned by lashing rain trying to get in, no chance the GAA would dare upset the golden goose"
That's right, they erect special "Dublin fans only" shelters all along Jones and Clonliffe Road that the rural gang are banned from when the heavens open whilst they also open up special "Dublin fans only" turnstiles 30 minutes before everyone else can get in, just because...well you know, we're Dublin fans ;) I hear they will be giving Dublin fans free raincoats too because the forecast is for showers and sod the rest of ye but that's not confirmed yet.
Nice to know you're concerned about the Dubs though.....it means alot to us that we're my on your mind my friend :)

Dubsfan28 (Dublin) - Posts: 2509 - 03/08/2017 16:01:54    2028475

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Replying To moc.dna:  "No, pointless. I used to bring underage teams to Dublin to matches, play a challenge & go & visit the museum in Croke Park. I complained on a number of occasions to officials in Croke Park when booking it, over the fact that despite that we were all fully paid up Gaa members, we paid the same price as the tourists, no discount whatsoever for members, members who pay affiliation & registration fees to Croke Park. Did I get anywhere with my complaint, not a bit. Will this thread make a difference, no. The only action that might be taken is after Jim Gavin complaining about the pitch, I think that will be rectified for Sunday for obvious reasons. One only has to listen to those trying to justify all their actions to realise that the Gaa member & supporter is secondary to the revenue raising exercises."
So you're saying that despite coming in a big group you got no discount on the advertised price at all to visit the GAA museum?

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13704 - 03/08/2017 17:26:00    2028517

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Replying To moc.dna:  "No, pointless. I used to bring underage teams to Dublin to matches, play a challenge & go & visit the museum in Croke Park. I complained on a number of occasions to officials in Croke Park when booking it, over the fact that despite that we were all fully paid up Gaa members, we paid the same price as the tourists, no discount whatsoever for members, members who pay affiliation & registration fees to Croke Park. Did I get anywhere with my complaint, not a bit. Will this thread make a difference, no. The only action that might be taken is after Jim Gavin complaining about the pitch, I think that will be rectified for Sunday for obvious reasons. One only has to listen to those trying to justify all their actions to realise that the Gaa member & supporter is secondary to the revenue raising exercises."
Don't get people who go to so much effort to complain and rant online yet don't take the time to contact the people they actually need to contact if they have a complaint. Completely pointless. If you're not going to try do something about it you might aswell forget about it instead of only winding yourself up about it here where you'll only probably end up more frustrated.

GaaGaa78 (UK) - Posts: 285 - 03/08/2017 17:52:08    2028534

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Replying To PluckyUnderdog:  "No chance Dublin fans would be allowed get drowned by lashing rain trying to get in, no chance the GAA would dare upset the golden goose"
Eh the Leinster final they didn't open the gates until 30 minutes till throw in for the minor game, plenty outside waiting

hill16no1man (Dublin) - Posts: 12665 - 03/08/2017 18:09:55    2028543

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Replying To MesAmis:  "So you're saying that despite coming in a big group you got no discount on the advertised price at all to visit the GAA museum?"
Correct, Gaa members in a group paid the same price as tourists in a group from abroad.

moc.dna (Galway) - Posts: 1212 - 03/08/2017 21:34:37    2028634

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Replying To GaaGaa78:  "Don't get people who go to so much effort to complain and rant online yet don't take the time to contact the people they actually need to contact if they have a complaint. Completely pointless. If you're not going to try do something about it you might aswell forget about it instead of only winding yourself up about it here where you'll only probably end up more frustrated."
You obviously didn't get my point, I'm not all worked about it either, if I got worked up about all the things that are a mess in the Association, I'd be in an institution. I raised the point here to highlight what happened, many others had a similar experience too. I made the point that in the past having made complaints about something else, my experience was that it got no where. Similarly if I went making a complaint re the opening times I know I would be wasting my time, do something about it, what do you want me to do go on hunger strike ! Highlighting the issue on a social media platform especially somewhere as good as Hoganstand can be effective. Obviously you have an issue with complaints been raised about the running of Croke Park for some reason ?

moc.dna (Galway) - Posts: 1212 - 03/08/2017 21:42:50    2028638

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