The All-Ireland Finals are edging ever closer, and that means there are some major family days out on the horizon. When you’re making the pilgrimage to Croker with a backseat full of eager little GAA fans, there’s no room to leave things to chance.
And if you haven’t organised the big day out yet, don’t worry. Tickets for under-16s are still only €5 for the Semi Finals in Croke Park.
So whether you’re a total GAA novice just along for the ride, or a die-hard fan who hasn’t missed a match all year, read on and share our insiders guide.
Here are ten things every family needs to bring on a GAA day away.
1. Snacks for the car
Every good GAA day out starts with slap up Full Irish, no matter what hour of the morning you have to leave the house. That’s sacrosanct in GAA circles. And although you may have just got up from the table five minutes before you started the journey, you’ll also need to pack some sandwiches and a couple of flasks of tea for the road. That’s just the way it is.
2. Entertainment for the road
Even the most excited little GAA fans are going to cranky when they’re cooped up in a crowded car. Don’t let the endless “Are we there yets?” take over the trip. Pack a healthy supply of car games for the road. iPads, colouring books, audio-books. The works. And if it’s all starting to get out of hand in the backseat, remember: it’s not the journey, it’s the destination that counts. And that destination is our very own Cathedral of Sport.
3. Singing voices
Make sure everyone in the family knows every single focal of Amhrán na bhFiann. Don’t run the risk of making a holy show of yourselves when the camera pans along the family and you’re mumbling the words instead of belting them out, loud and proud. That’s not what our forefathers hurled for!
Here’s a quick refresher if you’re not 100 per cent confident about gach focal…
4. Your competitive edge
If you’re heading along to any of the football or hurling Semi Finals in Croke Park this August, come early and avail of the Family Fanzone. Get yourself match ready at this pretty cool activity-led programme for families including photo booths, interactive GAA games and face painting, to build up the excitement before you all settle into your seats for the big match.
5. Sunscreen
Croker is hands down one of the best places in Ireland to spend a sunny day. Arrive ready to soak up every bit of inter-county banter, the incredible atmosphere and the Championship buzz flying around the stadium. A big bottle of sun lotion is the first thing you should pack in your bag the night before the match – nobody wants to head to school on Monday morning sporting an epic farmer’s tan.
6. Scarves and flags
Make sure the whole clan is kitted out in the county colours. This is not a fashion show. Jerseys are mandatory. Along with scarves, flags, face paint and anything else you can possibly think of to display your love for your county. And if you’ve forgotten to pick up any of these vitals elements, don’t worry. There’s a slight chance you’ll pass someone selling “HATS, SCARVES AND HEADBANDS!” on the walk into the stadium. Slight chance.
7. Cash for half-time treats
If the home-made hang sangwiches have already been demolished by half-time (roaring at the top of your lungs for 30 minutes will take it out of you), don’t be left scrambling for cash when you’re rushing out for drinks and treats. 99s are mandatory on a sunny day.
8. Passion
And remember, it’s not over ’til it’s over. Even if the kids are exhausted and your county is ten points down, don’t even think about leaving until the final whistle blows. No matter how much traffic you think you can avoid. Stay, stand and keep your little ones clapping until the last player has walked off the pitch.
9. A well-charged phone
A day in Croker is always packed full of unforgettable moments – experiences worth capturing on camera. Capture these special family memories, cherish them, and maybe one day they’ll be shown when your little one is all grown up and a GAA star in their own right.
10. Supplies for a cosy journey home
On your journey home to watch The Sunday Game (it’s an institution – don’t miss it), make sure you’ve got snuggly blankets for the backseat passengers. Get them tucked up and drifting off dreaming about their day of GAA magic.
Show your family what the GAA is all about with tickets for under-16’s still only €5 for the GAA Football and Hurling All-Ireland Semi Finals in Croke Park.Tickets on sale at gaa.ie/tickets, selected Supervalu and Centra stores and usual outlets. #BeThereAllTheWay.
