GAA’s cashless policy is alienating older fans
Netwatch Cullen Park has gone cashless
From: Michael Shannon, disappointed Carlow supporter
A SLOGAN for the GAA says ‘where we all belong’, but I wonder does that still apply after the most recent announcement by Carlow GAA featured in The Nationalist on 20 August to make Netwatch Cullen Park cashless, as I for one cannot attend matches anymore.
I have been a loyal Carlow supporter for many years. I have driven to Ballybofey to see Carlow play Donegal in the qualifiers when few people wanted to go. I have driven to Belfast on a snow-covered St Patrick’s Day to see Carlow gain promotion from Division 4.
I followed Éire Óg all over the country in their fantastic runs in the club championships to places like Knockmore in Mayo, Limerick and Croke Park. I have seldom missed Carlow’s first round of the championship or league campaigns. I have served as a volunteer to both my club and the county board, but now I find I can no longer attend matches in Netwatch Cullen Park. My club was playing last weekend and I could not go.
You see, I don’t do online and don’t use a bank card; I only use cash, which is still legal tender. I fully accept and have purchased tickets for Carlow championship matches in SuperValu, but for our local club championship matches, it’s sad not to be allowed to pay in.
If you get in, it’s accepted to use cash to buy programmes or to use the shop. If you attend a club game in Kildavin, Ballon, Tinryland, Tullow or any of the grounds, you can pay cash, so why discriminate one against the other?
It seems people are making life more difficult for people as they get older. Cash is legal tender and should be accepted.
