Netwatch Cullen Park goes cashless

CASH will no longer be accepted at the turnstiles of Carlow’s Netwatch Cullen Park. Carlow GAA has issued a statement that the venue now operates ‘cashless entry’. A post on the organisation’s Facebook page states that tickets may be ‘pre-purchased online or paid by way of tap and go at one dedicated entry point at the grounds’. Chair of Carlow GAA Jim Bolger told The Nationalist that Carlow is the only county that to date hasn’t operated a ticket-only system.

“We’re the only county in Ireland who hasn’t online ticketing. Twenty-one counties have Ticketmaster, eight have Future Ticketing and two have Club Spot, so we’re the only ones out of step with the rest. We’re just coming into step with what the recommendations are and we’re keeping in line with the rest of the counties around the country, who’ve had this system in long before us.” Jim said that a move to a cashless operation is a recommendation from a risk management perspective: “Cash handling is a no-no. Steward numbers are dwindling and cash requires more of a resource; this is alleviating pressure on our stewards, so there are positives all round.” Jim says this won’t be new to most supporters, as National League fixtures have been ticket-only. Initially, cashless entry will only apply at the Carlow town site, but it will be extended to include the GAA’s operation in Fenagh.

“To get people used to the system, it’s just for matches in Netwatch Cullen Park, but when we have it established, we will ensure that we apply the same standard to the Centre of Excellence training centre in Fenagh as well.” Jim said that clubs will hold a level of autonomy in relation to cash, card or online.

Disgruntled members of the public took to the organisation’s Facebook page to air their thoughts. ‘A disgraceful decision by Carlow GAA. Shame on them,’ said one poster. ‘Total disregard for the elderly, the very people who nurtured the GAA through the years. Boycott,’ read another.

In relation to criticism, the Carlow GAA chair said: “We’re not discriminating against anybody. We’ll operate tap and go for the start, before we have this embedded, so people can come with a card. There would be a very small minority who would be discommoded, but there’s lots of help between relations and clubs. They can go to their clubs and ask people who are computer literate to help.” The senior football championship gets underway at Netwatch Cullen Park this week.