GAA:The head of the GAA Christy Cooney said the visit of Queen Elizabeth to Croke Park was an honour for the organisation and for its thousands of of members.
The visit to the stadium, a site steeped in symbolism for nationalists, was specially requested by the President Mary McAleese during the preparations for the royal visit, as a recognition of the GAA’s special status in Irish society.
Mr Cooney welcomed the Queen and Prince Philip to the stadium saying the visit “would go down in the history of the GAA”.
“We know that in our shared history there have been many tragic events which have inflicted hurt on us all. While acknowledging the significance of the past and honouring all those that have lost their lives, including those that died in this place, the Gaelic Athletic Association has consistently supported and helped advance the peace process in Northern Ireland."
"In particular, we have encouraged the reconciliation and mutual understanding which have so successfully flowed from the Good Friday Agreement and its endorsement in referenda by the people of Ireland, North and South," he said.
Mr Cooney said he was deeply saddened to attend the funeral of PSNI Constable Ronan Kerr and GAA member in Co Tyrone last month but said he was heartened “by the utter and united determination of people and political leaders across the island, and across the whole community, to stand together against violence and hatred”.
“The Gaelic Athletic Association for its part will continue to try and build new relationships and to reach out in particular to members of the Unionist community.”
Mr Cooney presented the Queen with a copy of a limited edition version of The GAA - A Peoples History
which was specially commissioned to celebrate the 125th anniversary in 2009.
Prince Philip was presented with a hurley and a sliotar and was advised that the "only place to use it is on the field!"