Would You Sacrifice All This To See Your County Win An All-Ireland?

There really is no greater place to be in the world than at home on the emerald isle in the run up to the GAA All-Ireland Senior Championship final. But would you cut short your holiday if it meant seeing your county winning in Croke Park?

A survey was carried out in search of ‘The Best GAA Fan’ and revealed that supporters were willing to do just about anything if it meant seeing their county take the much coveted Sam Maguire cup home in September.

Official sponsors of the GAA, Ulster Bank asked over 2,000 fans a series of questions.

Money isn’t everything it seems… two in every five people claimed that they would hand back a winning €5,000 lottery to see their county colours around the handles of the Sam Maguire.

Interestingly 64% of Mayo fans believe an All-Ireland is worth more than a winning lotto ticket. Kerry being the county less eager to part the ticket, with 70% of people revealing they’d rather the money.

84% admitted that they would cut short a summer holiday to be seated in the Hogan stand on All-Ireland Sunday, watching their county win.

Donegal and Longford being the most hardcore of all 32 counties with 100% wanting to board the plan home a few days early.

66% even went as far to say that they would sacrifice grooming if it meant their county would win the All-Ireland. Two-thirds (including ladies) that carried out the survey admitted they would give up shaving for the entire summer.

The hairiest of all the counties was Laois with 100%, Waterford in second with 92% and Wicklow a close third with 90%.

It is no great surprise at all that the TV pundit folk would like to be seated next to at Croker the day of the All-Ireland is Derry legend, Joe Brolly.

Brolly, known for having a few strong words to say from time to time, would possibly provide just as much entertainment in the stands as the players on the field. Pat Spillane won't be happy with second place.

Over 80% of the fans said that over half of their immediate family own a county jersey, with 30% revealing that their entire family owns a county jersey. Including the animals.

Cork GAA legend, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín commented on the results saying, "It is great to see a survey focus on the fans and highlight their dedication and passion for Gaelic Games and the results are fantastic."