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How the GAA can learn from American sport - MDMA

In a wide-ranging interview with OTB AM, Dublin GAA star Michael Darragh McAuley gave us an insig...



How the GAA can learn from Ame...
Videos

How the GAA can learn from American sport - MDMA

In a wide-ranging interview with OTB AM, Dublin GAA star Michael Darragh McAuley gave us an insight into an irreverent sporting childhood: Chicago Bulls coaches for cousins, international golf stars for neighbours and... nailing his colours in the 2Pac v Biggie beef.

Millennials, get your Google at the ready for half of his references...

But in perhaps the most interesting sporting insight, MDMA used his knowledge and experience of American sport to draw a contrast to the GAA, where he believes the latter can learn a lot in terms of marketing the sport and creating a memorable fan experience.

Michael also finds himself often frustrated by the pace of change within the GAA, which is glacial - in relation to issues as simple and prosaic as fashion.

"It's never going to happen because we have to wear O'Neill's until the day we die.

"We need to spread our wings. It's ridiculous that everyone is wearing the same tracksuit. Let's get a bit of identity about this. We're not trying to be fashion queens.

"The cogs of the GAA often move so slowly and people are afraid of losing their little grasp of power that nothing changes. There is a load of forward-thinking people.

How the GAA can learn from American sport - MDMA

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Michael told us about a recent Boston Celtics game that he went to see with his girlfriend and how the experience outweighed the experience of being in the cheap seats.

"One of the biggest gripes for me is the way the game is marketed. You don't need to like enjoy a match. You should be able to enjoy the show that is put on.

"They were crap seats and [my girlfriend] had the best time ever! She was able to go in and get her hot dogs and her nachos, the music came on and they shut down the lights in the crowd, everyone came in and steam came up as they ran out. Half-time came and they were firing t-shirts up - she was enthralled by the experience. She couldn't tell you who won if you paid her. 

"I think that needs to be brought into the GAA in a big way. Half-time in the All-Ireland final should be a showpiece. We don't need to go full Homer Simpson on it and fill it with water! 

"I'm all about the kids getting to play at half-time. The GAA is great because nearly every kid in Dublin gets to play at Croke Park at some stage when they are growing up. But I just think for that one in particular - let's start marketing the sport a bit better, it should be at international standard.

"Why aren't U2 there? That would be completely laughed about, but why not?" MDMA also reflected on the American tradition of tailgating, and making a sporting event more like a festival atmosphere to entice more people to the GAA as an organisation.

"No-one does sport like the Americans. They know how to sell sports, and how to enjoy their sports."

Michael's interview can be heard on the podcast on this page, and OTB AM is from 7:45 weekdays on YouTube, Facebook and Periscope.