DONEGAL fans have been promised pints of stout and lager at fair prices after weeks of supporters fearing Killarney rip-off.
But it’s all blarney, claimed pub bosses who told the Donegal News that our county’s GAA fans will be warmly welcomed.
Jamie O’Neill of the Laurel’s Pub on Killarney’s Main Street said: “Donegal fans are 100% welcome here. They can even wear their green and gold jerseys.
“They’ll look like Kerry fans anyway. They can have lunch and dinner with us and we’ll have the match on the TV for anyone who doesn’t have a ticket.
“We’ll look after them and take care of them and do our best to make sure they have a good time.”
He added: “And the needn’t worry about prices. There are no thoughts in Killarney about any rip-offs.
“We aim to please our customers, not upset them, so Donegal fans can be confident of enjoying their time in Killarney.”
When the draw for the All-Ireland senior football championship Round 1 draw was made on Bank Holiday Monday, it paired Donegal with Kerry.
It was welcomed by Donegal fans as another chance to avenge last year’s disappointing loss to Kerry in the All-Ireland Final.
But excitement turned to despair when stunned fans blasted “shocking hotel prices” before the All-Ireland clash this Saturday in just two days’ time.
Anthony Molloy, the famous captain of the heroic Donegal GAA team that made history by winning the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1992, also hit out the soaring costs.
He told the Donegal News: “Maybe we could charter a plane. If planes can fly from Carrickfinn to Dublin, why couldn’t they fly to Kerry? We could charter a plane from Carrickfinn Airport.”
One Donegal man, who is involved in the hospitality sector, claimed prices in Killarney were dearer than Disneyland.
He said the hikes pushed overnight accommodation prices from €1,350 to €2,100, week on week, a steep 55.5% price increase.
Other fans threatened to boycott Killarney stay in places like Limerick or Roscommon.
But Killarney publicans have hit back and told Donegal fans that they can have fairly priced pints before and after the match in Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney.
Barman Conor at O’Donoghue’s on College Street told the Donegal News: “We are an award-winning pub with good Guinness and food.
“Guinness is €6 a pint and lagers are €6.30, while a red wine is from €7.50 to €9.
“Those prices have not changed just because Donegal fans are coming and they will not change this weekend.”
The national average price of a pint of stout in pubs in Ireland is now €6.32, while a pint of lager is €6.50, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Donegal are away to Kerry in Round 1 of the 2026 GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship on Saturday, May 23, with throw-in at 3pm.
The match will broadcast exclusively live on GAA+.