Bringing a friend to a GAA match when you have a season ticket is a common question for many fans. There are some important factors to consider when determining if you can bring a guest with your season ticket.
The GAA Season Ticket Terms
The first place to check is the terms and conditions for your GAA season ticket. This will outline the policy on bringing guests. In general, most GAA county season tickets allow you to bring a friend to games when you can’t attend.
For example, the Cork GAA season ticket terms for 2023 state:
“Season ticket holders can allow a friend to use their season ticket for any game that the season ticket holder cannot attend.”
And the Kilkenny GAA season ticket terms state:
“A season ticket holder may allow a friend to use their season ticket to attend games in their place.”
So the terms allow you to bring a friend when you cannot personally attend a match. But it’s always best to check your county’s latest terms for any changes.
Informing the County Board
While you can bring a friend, it is normally required to inform your county board that someone else will be using your ticket for a particular game.
This is so the county has a record of who is attending each game with a season ticket. There are a few ways to do this:
- Online via the county website
- By phone/email to the county office
- In person at the county stadium office
Check the process required by your county. You may need to provide the name of your friend attending the game with your ticket.
Limitations on Transferring
Most counties allow you to transfer your ticket to a friend for occasional games you cannot attend.
However, the terms will likely prohibit transferring your ticket to multiple people over the course of the season.
For example, the Limerick GAA terms state:
“Season tickets are non-transferable and may only be used by the person who purchased the ticket or their nominated friend for any given match.”
So you cannot pass your ticket amongst multiple friends during the season – it can only be used by you or one nominated friend per match.
Showing ID at Matches
When your friend brings your season ticket to a game, they may be asked to show ID to verify they are the nominated attendee.
For example, the friend could be asked to show a driver’s license or other photo ID that matches the name provided to the county board.
Your friend should bring ID to avoid any issues getting into the stadium with your ticket on match day.
Type of Ticket
The ability to bring a friend may also depend on the type of GAA season ticket you have.
For example, some student and child tickets cannot be transferred. And some counties offer “Flexi” season tickets that offer more flexibility for bringing friends than a standard Adult season ticket.
So check the terms for your ticket type when seeing if a friend can use your ticket.
League Games
The transfer terms may be different for bringing a friend to National League games versus Championship games.
For example, the Galway GAA terms state:
“A Season Ticket holder may allow a friend to use their season ticket for any League game.”
But additional requirements may apply for Championship and knockout games.
Conclusion
In summary, you should be able to bring a friend to a match using your GAA season ticket when you cannot attend. But be sure to check your county’s latest terms and notify them in advance.
The main things to keep in mind are:
- Check your county’s terms for any restrictions
- Inform the county who will be using your ticket
- Your friend may need to show ID at the stadium
- There are limits on transferring your ticket multiple times
Provided you follow the season ticket terms, you should be able to sort out a friend to take your place when you miss a match during the GAA season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring any friend with my GAA season ticket?
You can bring a friend as long as you inform the county board in advance and adhere to the season ticket terms. Most counties allow you to nominate a friend to use your ticket if you cannot attend a match yourself.
Do I have to register the friend’s name?
Yes, you normally have to register the friend’s name with the county board. This is so the county knows who is using the season ticket for each game. Check the process for informing your county board.
Can I take a different friend each game?
No, you can typically only nominate one friend per game. The terms prohibit transferring your season ticket amongst multiple people during the season.
What if my friend loses my paper ticket?
Contact your county board immediately if the paper season ticket is lost or stolen. Most counties can cancel the lost ticket and reissue a replacement. There is normally a fee for a reissue.
Can my friend use my e-ticket on their phone?
For e-tickets, you will need to transfer the ticket to your friend’s phone and account in the county’s ticketing app. Check with your county for the process to temporarily transfer an e-ticket to a friend’s mobile device.
Do students and children’s tickets allow a friend?
Student and child tickets often cannot be transferred. Always check the terms, as they may be more restrictive than an adult ticket in allowing a friend.
What if my friend is turned away at the match?
If your friend is denied entry, contact the county immediately to understand why and get the issue resolved. Ensure you notified the county beforehand and that your friend has ID to show at the turnstiles.
The GAA Season Ticket Transfer Process
Here is an overview of the typical process to transfer your GAA season ticket to a friend for a match:
- Check your county’s latest season ticket terms and transfer policy.
- Contact the county via phone, email, or their website ticketing portal.
- Provide your name, season ticket number, and the match details.
- Supply your friend’s name and contact details.
- Your friend brings ID to the match in case it needs to be shown.
- Notify the county immediately if your friend cannot attend so you avoid any issues.
Each county may have a slightly different process, but this is the general procedure to follow to successfully allow a friend to use your ticket.
Important Dos and Don’ts
Do:
- Check the transfer terms for your specific ticket type and county.
- Inform the county in advance who is using your ticket.
- Notify the county of any changes if your friend can no longer go.
- Have your friend bring photo ID to match the registered name.
Don’t:
- Transfer your ticket to multiple people during the season.
- Bring a friend without notifying the county board beforehand.
- Bring a friend for financial reward or ticket touting.
- Send your e-ticket to your friend until the day of the match.
GAA County Season Ticket Transfer Policies
Here is a summary of some GAA counties’ policies on season ticket transfers:
County | Transfer Policy |
---|---|
Dublin | Can transfer to a friend up to 2 hours before match via online portal. |
Kerry | Must inform board by email up to 48 hours before match. |
Galway | Can transfer for league games only. Restrictions for championships. |
Cork | Can transfer to a friend when ticket holder cannot attend a match. |
Kilkenny | Tickets can be transferred to a friend in place of ticket holder. |
Tipperary | Must inform board via online portal before transferring ticket. |
As shown above, each county has slightly different rules around informing them of a ticket transfer. But generally allow transfers to friends when the season ticket holder cannot attend a match themselves.
Transferring Student and Child Tickets
Special consideration needs to be given when transferring student or child season tickets. For example:
- Mayo GAA – U16 tickets cannot be transferred under any circumstances.
- Clare GAA – Student tickets can only be used by the ticket holder and cannot be transferred.
- Limerick GAA – Child tickets can be transferred to an adult guardian/parent only.
Always check your county’s rules for student and child transfers. They are often more restrictive than adult tickets.
Top Tips for Transferring Tickets
Here are some top tips for smoothly transferring your GAA season ticket to a friend when you cannot attend a match:
- Notify your county as early as possible with the friend’s details.
- Double check the transfer terms for any restrictions.
- Provide the friend’s name exactly as it appears on their ID.
- Have your friend bring photo ID to match the registered name.
- Follow up with the county if you have any doubts or questions.
- Do not transfer your ticket for financial reward or touting reasons.
Planning ahead and closely following the county’s process will help ensure your friend can use your ticket without issues.
Common Season Ticket Transfer Questions
Can I transfer my ticket last minute if I can’t go?
Most counties require at least 24-48 hours advance notice to transfer a ticket. Last minute transfers on match day are often prohibited or require manager approval.
What details do I need to provide about my friend?
You will need to provide your friend’s full name and contact details, as it appears on their photo ID. This allows the county to verify their identity.
Can I transfer my ticket for money?
No, transferring tickets for financial reward or touting is strictly prohibited by GAA rules. You can only transfer to a genuine friend attending in your place.
Is there a limit on transfers per season?
Most counties do not specify a limit, but excessive transfers may be flagged or investigated. Use common sense when transferring tickets.
What if I can’t attend several games in a row?
The same friend can use your ticket for multiple games, but notify the county each time in advance as required.
Key Takeaways
- Check your county’s latest season ticket transfer terms.
- Inform the county board who will use your ticket.
- Your friend should bring ID matching their registered name.
- Student and child tickets often have tighter transfer restrictions.
- Do not transfer your ticket for financial reasons.
Following the proper procedures will allow your friend to use your GAA season ticket when you cannot attend a match during the season.