Wheelchair user slams Croke Park disabled seating as 'afterthought' after frustrating Leinster Rugby experience

A sports-mad wheelchair user has called for Croke Park to take action on disabled seating after his view of last weekend’s rugby clash was constantly blocked by fans.

Matthew McGrath was trying to watch Leinster take on Northampton Saints last Saturday from the accessible section but was obstructed any time supporters in the Cusack Stand jumped to their feet.

The 21-year-old said he attended a Wexford match at GAA HQ a couple of years ago and had a similar experience but hoped the situation would have improved since then. Matthew is brought to the games by his dad Alan, who said it was a flaw.

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He added: “There is a notice on the wall in front asking people who are directly in front of wheelchair users to please sit down at all times but human nature being what it is, it’s very difficult for them to sit down during a moment when the gameplay gets exciting.

Matthew McGrath's view in Croke Park for the Leinster rugby game

“Some people did and they weren’t able to see what was happening either. There are TV screens but they are several seconds behind. The event would have passed on the pitch by the time it came up on the screen. The location of the wheelchair section looks like an afterthought.”

Matthew, who became paralysed after contracting meningitis when he was 18 months old, said: “I was there before for a GAA match and it was to watch Wexford play, I thought they were going to have it fixed but they didn’t and that’s why it’s more frustrating. Anfield and the Aviva are much better than Croke Park.” Matthew called on Croke Park to make improvements.

Matthew McGrath with Jurgen Klopp

Alan said: “In the Aviva, you’re much higher than the people in the seats below you so even if they stand up, you still have a clear view of the whole pitch. Even if people were sitting down in Croke Park, the way it’s set up, wheelchair users can’t see the ball if it is kicked to a certain height because the upper terrace obstructs the view.

“Matthew is tetraplegic, he cannot move any part of his body and his head needs to be controlled. If he’s at a game and the play is at one end and it moves to the other, you need to physically move the wheelchair because his head is in the one position.”

Alan believes it would take a “significant amount of work” to fix the problem and thinks this is why “nothing has been done to date”. He added: “They need to address it somehow... you would like to see them make an effort to improve match day experiences for wheelchair users.”

Matthew McGrath in France for the Rugby World Cup

Alan said there were about 30 wheelchair users in the same section - which is located on level 4 of Croke Park - along with Matthew, who were all just as frustrated. There is also another wheelchair section in Davin Stand.

Both Alan and Matthew stressed the staff were “very accommodating” and “nice” who tried their best. They said getting in and out of the stadium was also seamless.

The Irish Mirror contacted Croke Park for comment.

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