President Mary McAleese has praised the Tyrone GAA team ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland final.
The President was in Strabane on Wednesday to celebrate the successes of a local community group and the town’s Gaelscoil. However in her speech to local clergy, councillors and community volunteers, Mrs McAleese could not help but mention the likeli
hood of ‘Sam’ following her up the road in two days time.
“It’s good to be here, it’s great to be here. I’m glad I got up the road ahead of ‘Sam’,” she joked.
President McAleese, who will be attending the All-Ireland final in Croke Park, praised the ‘Red Hands’ for their team work and determination and compared their “fluidness” to All-Ireland hurling champions Kilkenny.
Despite the carnival atmosphere and irrepressible enthusiasm of Tyrone supporters in Strabane, this year’s exodus may well be affected by the credit crunch.
Speaking to the ‘Journal’ this week, Aodhan Harkin, Chairman of Sigerson’s GAA club, said the cost of All-Ireland tickets may “deter some families” from making the journey down to Dublin.
“There is still a scramble for tickets. I am confident though that all of the members who have applied to Sigersons for tickets, will get a ticket.
“But there is a big financial aspect affecting the tickets this year which may put some people off from travelling down to the game.
“It would cost a family of four €280 for tickets alone before they even leave Strabane and then you have to fill the car up with petrol and pay for food etc.
“It just may be out of some people’s reach this year,” Mr Harkin said.
Sigerson’s GAA club are expecting to receive around 300 tickets which they expect will fully cover their members.
The full article contains 303 words and appears in Journal Friday DER Edition newspaper.
