THIS week in Adare, the Munster Council of the GAA offically launched their new championship. The championship itself actually kicked off with Kerry taking on Tipperary in senior football.
The launch is a new step for the GAA as they look to promote their games more in these challenging times. The GAA is facing a huge task this season to put bums on seats.
Other sports and the recession will chip away at the capacity crowds. Indeed some All Ireland semi finals are now struggling to be sold out.
Where does this come from? Is there that much of an indifference towards our national games? In the honest opinion of this journalist, there are probably several factors contributing to dwindling numbers.
The over exposure of games on TV is one. The lack of competition at national level is another. Cork, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Galway. One of those counties is going to win the hurling. Kerry, Dublin, Cork, (insert Ulster team). One of those counties is going to win the football. This sense of inevitability is something that is taking supporters away. With crowd numbers only beginning to crank back up once a team has, “won a few games” or reached a provincial final.
The good news for the GAA is this however. The fixture list is being addressed. Less games at local level will clash with national games. Less time off between club games is being looked at too. The GAA is changing with the times. The launch this week was a start. The teams at the top need to be broken. All we need is a 90’s style revolt from the “weaker counties”. That will come too. GAA clubs are alive and well and growing in size every year.
With the championship just around the corner for both Limerick senior sides, the summer is finally here. Maybe this year will be Limerick’s? Who knows.
