Madam, – As a keen supporter of Irish sport, it was galling to see so many empty seats at the Aviva for Ireland’s brave win against Macedonia last Saturday night.
I had previously sent an e-mail request directly to the FAI ticket office inquiring about family tickets for the match, and was disappointed with a prompt negative reply.
Both the FAI and IRFU should realise by now that we are in a recession.
People who support their games want to bring their kids to see Ireland play in competitive matches. Both organisations could learn a lot about ticket pricing from the GAA and Leinster Rugby.
Last year, I brought my two young sons to the All-Ireland semi-final between Kildare and Down at Croke Park for €55 in total. Excellent value.
Next week, I’m attending the Leinster-Leicester Heineken Cup Quarter-Final at the Aviva Stadium. Four family tickets cost me less than €80.
Finally, I would urge the new Minister for Sport to make it mandatory that national sporting organisations provide at least 15 per cent of their tickets for every match to family ticket packages. Our kids are the future. – Yours, etc,