Thousands of Galway hurling fans are set for All-Ireland disappointment with the county’s ticket allocation understood to be just in excess of 12,000 – around 7,000 stand and 5,000 terrace – from the 82,300 available in Croke Park on the big day.

Hurling Board Secretary Pat Kearney, who has confirmed that the Galway allocation will be distributed and circulated among the clubs next Monday and Tuesday, conceded supporters may have to use their own initiative if they want to guarantee a seat in Croke Park on September 9.

“I expect close to 25,000 to 30,000 Galway people in Croke Park on the day of the All-Ireland but that will come down to people using their own initiative to get tickets. This All-Ireland final is no different to any other and what they do in other counties is look for tickets in other places and in other counties, much the same way as people would look for tickets going to a concert,” said Kearney.

“You have to remember, this is a national occasion. This is a day for the 32 counties, along with those clubs based overseas. Already this morning, I have had three clubs from London onto me looking for tickets. So, again, it is important to remember that this is a national occasion, not just a county occasion.”

As for Galway’s allocation, they will be largely distributed through the clubs, with the clubs in turn to offer these to those who facilitate the growth and develop of the game locally. In addition, Kearney said it was important those involved in Cumann na mBunscoil, referees and gate men were also catered for.

“Then, we have current senior players – along with the three other teams, minor, intermediates and U-21s – while former senior players will also have to be looked after, if at all possible. That should all be done through the tickets that will be distributed through the clubs, hurling and football.”

Kearney also stressed that tickets will not be available through the County Board office, although they have already been inundated with applications. “We must have between 3,000 to 4,000 people who have already submitted applications,” he said.

“The reality is that we (the Board) will only get between 300 and 400 tickets, so only 10% of those applications will be successful. So, again, I would be advising those people to go to their clubs and, failing that, use their initiative. If people do that, there is no reason why we can’t have in excess of 23,000 or more at the final.”

See full story in this week's Connacht Tribune.