2 days ago
Croke Park launches new accessibilty services
Croke Park has recently launched two new accessibility services aimed at making match days more inclusive for those with accessibility needs.
The new Sensory Room is designed to support spectators who may have sensory processing needs, while a new Audio Descriptive Commentary service intends to make sports more accessible for blind or vision-impaired supporters.
Located in the GAA museum, Croke's Park's Sensory Room - also known as Cú Chulainn's Corner - aims to offer a place of solace and relaxation, away from the commotion of the stadium.
Thirteen-year-old Jackie McCullagh, who is blind, says facilities such as the Sensory Room in Croke Park are essential for people like him.
"I find loud noises quite hard sometimes because I'm blind, so I perceive all my information through my ears. So I'd like to just step into somewhere that's quiet and then after a while go back into the noise again."
Jackie explains that this new facility has made a real difference for him, as he's now more likely to attend matches, as well as other events.
He said: "even if I don't end up using it, I just know I've got that option. It would encourage me to go to other things. If there was an artist I wanted to see, I wouldn't have gone previously. Whereas I might consider it now".
GAA President Jarlath Burns welcomed the launch, describing the Sensory Room as a place of comfort and sanctuary - an important addition in a national stadium such as Croke Park.
"I think that all public buildings and organizations should be focused very, very strongly on neurodiversity.
"One of our values is inclusion. We are the place where we all belong, and that should not just be where people who are playing our games belong, but for everybody who has an interest in Irish culture, or in our games," Mr Burns said.
"We should be able to play a part on their terms, not them coming to our terms. And I think that's what inclusion is all about," he added.
Croke Park's Sensory Room and Audio Descriptive Commentary Service officially launched on 19 May.
These services are part of Croke Park's wider efforts to improve accessibility and ensure that as many supporters as possible can enjoy the match day experience at the stadium.
The Audio Descriptive Commentary Service is a collaboration between Croke Park and Vision Sports Ireland, the National Governing Body for promoting sport and physical activity for people who are blind and vision impaired.
