Kilkenny fans forced to fork out an extra fiver to watch Cats in league this year

KILKENNY GAA fans will be forced to fork out an extra fiver for a ticket to watch the Cats in action in the National League this year.

However, GAA President John Horan defended hiking the price of tickets, saying it was a “business” decision.

Mr Horan admitted the price increase from €15 to €20 for the top two hurling and football league divisions could affect attendances at games.

But he argued that clubs across Kilkenny and the rest of the country will ultimately benefit.

Speaking at the launch of the Allianz Hurling League, Mr Horan said: “At Congress last year I did say that we would do more for the clubs. I’d like to follow through on that and we’ve increased the club funding and development areas this year by €500,000, it’s going up by another €500,000 next year.”

Tickets for this year’s All-Ireland hurling and football finals will increase by €10 to €90 for stand tickets and by €5 for Hill 16 tickets to €45.

There will be a €5 increase for tickets to the semis, while it will set fans back €50 for the stands and €35 for the terraces.

Kilkenny will kick off their 2019 National Hurling League campaign at home to Cork this Sunday, January 27, at Nowlan Park.

The following week, February 3, Brian Cody’s men will travel to Ennis to take on Clare.

Then there’s a two week break, and on Sunday, February 17, Kilkenny will play All Ireland Champions Limerick at 2pm in Nowlan Park.

A week later, on February 24, Kilkenny and Tipperary will showdown in Thurles.