IT MAY be another sign of the times but the GAA’s decision to reduceticket prices for this weekend’s Allianz National Football Leaguefinals is as much to do with enticing supporters to Croke Park as it issympathising with their recession-hit pockets.

Stand tickets forSunday’s double bill at Croke Park – featuring Kerry against Derry inDivision One, and preceded by Monaghan against Cork in Division Two –are priced at €25, which is €5 less than last year’s equivalent. TheGAA have also introduced special group passes for the occasion.

Thisis being billed as a sort of a “thank you” gesture to supporters whohave attended league games this season, but with league finalattendances decreasing in recent years, there was always going to besome concession this year.

In fact assurances of special ticketpackages and a major marketing campaign was what convinced the CentralCompetitions Control Committee (CCCC) to fix both for Croke Park in thefirst place – although it remains to be seen if these ties can attractthe sort of crowd associated with the opening of GAA headquarters.

Theywill also mark the occasion of the first trophy presentations of newGAA president Christy Cooney, and he was eager to ensure the crowdlevel on the day was worthy of the competition. “Our 2009 footballleagues peak this weekend with no fewer than four finals,” said Cooney,“and the Division One and Two games offer followers of the countiesinvolved and all football supporters a chance to come to Croke Park forearly-season action.