If you have not attended a GAA hurling or football match in your lifetime, you haven’t lived (serious face). When I attend with my sports-mad nieces and nephews, a super-fun day is inevitable.
August is when all eyes are on Croke Park, as the Championship reaches All-Ireland Quarter and Semi Final stages, so now is the time to get your tickets – you’ll be hooked!
Expect to look forward to:
1. Value for Money – Did you know that under-16’s go for €5 at all the Quarter and Semi Final fixtures? That makes for a great family day out. Plenty of spare change for the hats, scarves and headbands if you want your family to have the right look. (Or if your family has a very divided look).
Controversial day in our house #CorkvKerry @corkgaa pic.twitter.com/Tm3MkCYrMx
— dukes coffee (Cork) (@dukescoffeeco) July 5, 2015
2. The Role Models – Go to a game and, by the time you’re heading home, your children will already be arguing about which player they are. A Bernard Brogan screamer, an impossible Michael Murphy point or a piece of Richie Hogan magic is enough to inspire a dream in even the toddlers who’ll be replicating all the best bits of the game and running straight out for extra practice to get on the road to Croker themselves.
@alanbrogan13 son Jamie slots a goal past ‘Keeper’ @MDMA_9 in front of the Hill photo: @Inphosports #FatherLikeSon?? pic.twitter.com/goGEXjhJRE
— Hill 16 Army (@Hill16Army) July 12, 2015
3. The Community Spirit and the Atmosphere – There is nothing better than a sing-song on the way to Croker to put everyone in a good mood and make the atmosphere even better. Big love for Amhrán na bhFiann being roared from the crowd, and it won’t be long before the kids are singing their county song at the top of their little lungs.
4. The Photo Ops – Fun for the family is the main by-product of a match day. There are opportunities for photographs with fellow fans when the stands are a sea of colour. Kids love when they see themselves live on the big screen too (eh, so do I). Sunday Instagram selfies with flags and banners are so much more interesting to snoop through than still-life images of coffee cups, eh? Don’t forget to get back for The Sunday Game to see if you made the cameraman’s cut.
5. The Crisp Sandwiches and the Flasks of Tea – old-school sambo’s in clingfilm that you eat as a family in the tiered seating will seem to be the best you’ve ever had. A GAA match would simply not be the same without this delicious staple match food and a home-brew.
6. The Banter – Your county are playing – the team and the supporters are a happy bunch. Endless tongue-in-cheek teasing and comments are to be expected on match day and adults poking fun at each other is a great source of fun for the kids. Nowhere else in the world would you be arguing with a supporter from a different team and offering him a pack of Tayto at half time. Healthy sportsmanship and entertainment are huge attractions at a GAA game, and this is the perfect mix of good banter that embodies the spirit of Gaelic Games.
7. The GAA Kits – Make sure you go with your faces painted and your jerseys on. It’s not so much a jersey as it is a badge of honour and your family kitted out in county colours will give everyone a great sense of belonging. If you’re heading along to any of the football or hurling semi finals in Croke Park this August (where under-16’s are still only €5 by the way) you can 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.
8. Everyone’s an Expert – No-one goes to Croke Park – first-timers or premium seat holders – without their own opinions. Wides will be argued over, fouls will be pleaded innocent and players will be elevated as heroes or villains for 70 minutes of pantomime brilliance. Your kids won’t be long in telling you what the team should be and begging to get out to the next round of the Championship to see who really is right.
Show your family what the GAA is all about with tickets for under-16’s only €5 for the Quarter and Semi Finals. Tickets on sale at gaa.ie/tickets, selected Supervalu and Centra stores and usual outlets. #BeThereAllTheWay
