DERRY and Strabane council has backed a motion calling on the GAA to reverse its controversial no-cash policy.
Under a contentious new approach brought in by Croke Park officials last year, tickets for any GAA game can now only be bought online in advance with no facilities provided to pay by cash or card at the turnstile.
Opponents of the policy include Age NI, which recently wrote to the Ulster Council outlining its concerns. Last year Age Action, which is based in the Republic, also called on the GAA to reconsider the current system.
A campaign headed by Co Derry native Nodlaig Ní Bhrollaigh has also held several protests outside GAA grounds.
Derry and Strabane Aontú councillor Emmet Doyle recently put forward a motion urging the council to write to the GAA in support of AgeNI and Age Action regarding its policy.
The motion also called on the sporting body "to reverse this policy and allow tickets to be purchased at games with cash".
Mr Doyle highlighted some of the groups impacted by the GAA's policy.
"Fans in rural communities with intermittent internet access are affected directly by this new rule, and more significantly are older people, the backbone of many clubs and committees the length and breadth of the country,” he said.
“The GAA need to urgently rethink.”
Meanwhile, Chris Andrews, Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on sport, said he was disappointed by the GAA's approach.
"It is disappointing to see the GAA introduce a cashless policy for tickets, which will without doubt have a disproportionate impact on some of the most marginalised and vulnerable groups in our community.
"Despite the cashless only ticket sales being put in place, cash is still widely used within the grounds whether it be for food or match programmes.
"So, it appears to be an inconsistent position."
He has also called on the minister for sport in Dublin, Catherine Martin, to engage with the GAA on the issue.
