Tickets for Dublin’s victorious homecoming ceremony were snapped up fast today as the city council defended changes made to the event.
Fans hoping to show appreciation for the men and women’s Gaelic football teams had to act quickly from 7am today to get one of the 3,500 free tickets for the homecoming, which takes place in Merrion Square from 1.30pm on Sunday.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe posted on Facebook today explaining the decisions to move the ceremony away from Smithfield and to ticket the event.
He said: “As a genuine Dublin fan I want to make sure as many people as possible get to attend the Homecoming. I have been speaking to Dublin City Council events this morning and they have come back to me on some of the suggestions which have been made.
“The decision to move away from Smithfield was to increase the number of fans who can attend.
Merrion Square is the largest venue in Dublin city has which does not involve a closure of the LUAS line.
“College Green would not hold as many and the great Dublin Bike Ride is taking place in the Pheonix Park that day.
“There were approximately 6,000 people last year in Smithfield and we have a much greater capacity at 15,000 this year.
“The decision to ticket the event was on the advice of the event controller in consultation with the Gardai for the safety of those attending. Previous experiences such as the Christmas lights led to events being cancelled on the day and we did not want to see that happening. The speed at which it has been allocated has proved this concern valid.
“The event will hold 15,000 people. 3,500 were allocated this morning and more than 11,000 have been distributed to clubs across the county to ensure those who play the game, people who don’t have online access and genuine fans have a priority.
"There is also an allocation for those with a disability.
“Obviously some people may be disappointed but every length has been taken to ensure the maximum number of genuine fans are accommodated.”
The ceremony will feature live performances from Keywest and Eoin Thomas & The Rising Sons, followed by interviews with former Dublin football stars, hosted by Marty Morrissey.
A specially commissioned video of Dublin wins from 1891 to 2018 will be shown, along with highlights from both the ladies and the men’s matches and live on stage appearances from the all-conquering Dublin teams and staff.
Merrion Square South and East, Fitzwilliam Street Lower and Mount Street Upper will be closed to traffic from 6pm on Saturday for the event.
Organisers have warned that searches will be in place at the access points to the event and to not bring bags bigger than A4 or large flags or flag poles.
