Croke Park deletes post advertising 'voluntary' job amid 'brass neck' backlash

Croke Park has appeared to delete a post advertising a voluntary commentary role at the iconic GAA stadium following a bruising backlash. 

The advert was shared as a post on Facebook and sought 'volunteer' audio descriptive commentators to work at the stadium on at least 12 match days each year.

The post read: "Croke Park is currently recruiting volunteer audio descriptive commentators for match days. If you have a passion for GAA football, hurling, LGFA and camogie, this is your chance to get involved in a unique and rewarding role."

The post went on to explain that in order to be considered for this unpaid role, applicants need to have "excellent knowledge of GAA football, hurling, LGFA and camogie, be available to commentate on 12+ match days per season and be over 18 years of age."

It said "no prior commentating experience required" but that it would be beneficial. They said full training would be provided by Vision Ireland.

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The post concluded: "Join us in enhancing the match day experience for all fans."

The post received heavy criticism with one fan suggesting Croke Park has "a brass neck" for pitching the role as voluntary and not stumping up to pay someone to do it.

Another said: "A voluntary role…surely to God Croke Park/GAA could find what would be a modest wage in comparison to the vast millions it takes in to adequately remunerate someone doing this."

A third fan said the situation was the same in the League of Ireland: "I provide this for visually impaired football fans at
Shamrock Rovers and I wouldn’t dream of asking for remuneration. We were trained by Vision Ireland in 2020 and role has enhanced my enjoyment of attending Rovers games. I applaud the GAA appeal for volunteers to provide this."

The ad was posted on the same day the GAA proudly launched its new GAA+ streaming service, a rebrand of the well-known GAAGO brand. The service will show exclusive games fans will have to pay for if they are not buying tickets to attend in-person. Individual match streams will cost €12 while a pass for the season is €79.