Fifa's press setup in Kansas City likened to GAA's glass-encased viewing

Attending a World Cup qualifier in Kansas City proved to be a jarring experience for journalist Ken Early, who found himself encased behind sound-proofed glass in the press area. The ear-splitting pre-match entertainment was muffled, creating a sense of detachment from the event. Early likened the setup to being "three doors away from a middle-aged house party" that had run past its welcome.

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Hmmm, that sounds like being at a match in Castlebar.

This experience led to a comparison with matches in Ireland, where similar barriers of concrete and glass often separate the press from the field of play. The author notes that while some venues like Arrowhead Stadium offer a more modern, albeit isolating, setup, traditional GAA grounds in Ireland frequently employ similar, if not more restrictive, viewing conditions.

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He walked to his assigned seat only to discovered that he and his colleagues were encased behind sound-proofed glass.

In stark contrast, the article paints a vivid picture of a GAA football match in Salthill, Ireland, between Galway and Westmeath. The event was a sell-out, drawing an "infantry invasion" of Westmeath supporters who traveled in large numbers. This enthusiastic public engagement, the author suggests, highlights a more authentic and immersive experience of attending a sporting event, where the atmosphere and connection to the game are paramount, unlike the sterile, detached environment encountered in Kansas City.

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Who knew Fifa apparatchiks would be easier to manipulate than your average GAA steward?