Ticket price hike is defended

The GAA have responded angrily to charges that their admission charges for the forthcoming National League fixtures are excessive. But comparisons with other sports show the £7 entrance cost is more expensive than equivalent competitions.

Philip Browne, chief executive of the IRFU, said that whereas the rugby authorities didn't stipulate an admission cost for All-Ireland League matches, the average was less than £7. "We don't issue guidelines. It's left up to the clubs, but the average is £5. European Cup is dearer, around £8 for the terrace and an extra four for the stands. The knockout stages go up to between £10 and £15."

Donal Crowther of soccer's National League said that the FAI set a minimum of £4, but that the average is higher, "about £5, although in some cases it's more".

The GAA's £7 charge was criticised earlier this week by Waterford county treasurer Tony Morrissey, who said he expected they would have to "take flak at the turnstiles" before Sunday's match against Ulster champions Derry.

It was the Central Council of the GAA which decided to raise admission charges from £5. A GAA spokesperson said that this decision involved Waterford. "Even if their Central Council delegate voted against the proposal, they're still bound by it."

It is three years since the last price increase, and the GAA defended the decision as follows: "Central Council reviewed admission prices for the coming season. Central Council was the appropriate committee to do so as it represents all counties and all National League receipts transfer back to the counties."

The statement also drew attention to concessions accepted at the Central Council meeting: children under 16 are admitted free, rather than for £1 as previously, students and senior citizens for £3 and, for Division Two and Three fixtures, general admission is £5. Meanwhile, Joe Kernan, who stepped down as manager of Crossmaglen Rangers earlier this week, explained his decision. His eight years in charge of the outgoing All-Ireland club champions brought unprecedented success to the south Armagh club, which won three national titles over the last four years. The move came as something of a surprise, as he had not stepped down after last autumn's surprise defeat by Castleblaney in the Ulster championship.

"Before Christmas," he said, "I was happy enough that once I had a break, I'd be back refreshed. But at the end of the day, I've a lot of work commitments, travelling backwards and forwards to and from England."

He also revealed that there were family reasons involved in the decision. "I've two sons, Stephen and Aaron, who are 17 and 18 and just about breaking onto the senior scene at the club, and maybe they'd be better off if their father wasn't involved with the senior team."

Over the years, Kernan had frequently been the subject of rumours linking him with other coaching positions. He says he has no immediate intention of getting back into management, but wouldn't rule it out.

"Never say `never'. I've been involved with Crossmaglen since I was 16, with only one or two years out, and now I'm 47. There have been offers from other teams in the past and I'm sure there'll be more in the future. But now is a time for Joe and his family."

Finally, Offaly manager Michael Bond has joined the chorus of disapproval concerning the decision to start this year's NHL in early February. In an unprecedented piece of scheduling, the GAC have decided to run off the first three series of matches in successive weeks. Bond's team have a tough enough start with matches against holders Galway, Antrim and Limerick.

"Running off half of the programme is very unsatisfactory for a team that's been involved in the All-Ireland series. Players are only coming back into serious training. I thought the whole idea behind moving the league in the first place was to provide a rest for teams in the winter. "Conditions are bad and you can't learn anything playing on pitches at this time of the year. You can be flying on a soft surface, but it's a different game in the summer."