GAELIC GAMES/Croke Park/Cusack Stand: The GAA are looking at a jackpot of €18.7 million from the resale of 24 corporate boxes and 2,000 premium tickets in the Cusack Stand at Croke Park.
The 10-year holding on premium tickets on the Cusack side has come to an end and the association are re-selling them in the coming weeks at €10,000 for 10 years and €6,500 for five years.
President Seán Kelly stated most of those in possession at present are keen to renew their deals for a further term, making it difficult for individuals and companies wishing to purchase a place in the long-term VIP seating or corporate boxes.
"At the moment almost 90 per cent want to renew (the 10-year premium seating) and there is a waiting list of 1,800," said Kelly.
"This year now there will be 24 boxes up for renewal and 20 of those in possession have already indicated they will continue."
A small number of corporate boxes have been kept for potential sponsors and guests. The corporate boxes come in three sizes; single, double and super, with the price for a 10-year lease ranging from €230,000 to €440,000.
There has been a significant rise in price of the premium seating, which went for £5,000 in 1994, while a single box was £150,000 and a double £250,000.
The long-term premium seating in the Hogan Stand last went up for sale in 1999 for £5,500, with five-year Canal premiums going for £3,000.
However, the Hogan area was sold two years before the stadium was even built with the holders having to bide their time at the Canal end.
All the income generated from the upcoming sales and resales goes back into the stadium.
Kelly also stated yesterday that under the new appointment of ticket administrator Dan Nelligan - who is the current Kilmacud Crokes goalkeeper and a son of the Kerry legend Charlie - he hopes access to tickets for the general public will become more convenient in the future.
"We have had a number of suggestions in that regard and now he (Nelligan) is going to be working on this in the next few weeks and have a report and recommendation by Christmas."
Kelly suggested that more tickets will be available for general consumption, than say via clubs: "Eventually we will be getting more and more tickets available on the web."
Meanwhile, GAA sources have confirmed that there is more than one interested party in purchasing the television coverage of the football and hurling championship. RTÉ's three-year contract - which was extended by one - expired after this year's championship.
The rise of Setanta television in Irish sport and Sky Sports, who show an extensive highlights programme of the championship, may mean both will be interested parties, but RTÉ would still be strong favourites to retain the media rights. The process of renewal has started already and an announcement is expected early in the New Year.
Meanwhile, the Galway hurling board may put forward two names for the county delegates to select the next senior hurling manager after their meeting next Monday.
The hurling faction was left in an embarrassing position after their seven-man committee, chaired by Miko Ryan, had their candidate Mattie Murphy emphatically rejected by the delegates last Tuesday.
That committee is now defunct, leaving the hurling board with the task of cleaning up the mess. County secretary, Bernie O'Connor suggested two candidates - Murphy, Conor Hayes, or possibly even Noel Lane - could be put forward for the clubs to vote on.
"It's possible that two names will be put to the floor at the next meeting", said O'Connor. "Mattie Murphy is still legitimately nominated until he withdraws. I pointed out to the committee that their choice might not be accepted before the whole process began."
The Tipperary Football Board have set up a seven-man committee to find a manager and selectors to replace Andy Shortall, who controversially resigned during the summer. Nominations go out to the clubs immediately and final proposals will be made to the Tipperary County Board in two weeks.
