GAA:To mark the 125th anniversary celebrations the GAA will move Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final trophy presentation onto a podium on the pitch rather than its traditional place in the Hogan Stand.
A display involving flag bearers, drummers and pyrotechnics will accompany the handing over of the Liam MacCarthy Cup to the senior winning captain and afterwards the winning team is expected to parade around the pitch in an effort to make a special connection with supporters in all parts of the ground.
GAA President Christy Cooney has called on everyone present at Croke Park on Sunday to join in the carnival atmosphere that he believes will accompany the end of the game between Kilkenny and Tipperary.
“A number of special initiatives have been organised so far this year to mark what has been a special year for the Association as we celebrate 125 years of existence,” said Cooney.
“Our plans to move the post match presentation from the Hogan Stand to the pitch is another such initiative and we hope to be able to rely on the full co-operation of our members and supporters in its roll out.
“Tradition is as important to me as anyone but traditional practices should never come at the expense of the health and safety of our players and spectators who between them help make the All-Ireland final the special occasion that it is.
“It has become very obvious to us in recent years after studying our own post match arrangements and those of other sporting bodies around the world, that to continue with the practices that have been in place for many years would be problematic.
“There is an onus on us to ensure that our players, who graft hard for more than 70 minutes and who provide us with excellent sporting entertainment, should not be subjected to the rigours involved with the mass entry of supporters onto the playing area.
“Similarly all of our supporters – young and old – should be able to partake in the memorable celebrations that accompany a win for any county on All-Ireland final day.
“I hope everyone will assist us by remaining in their places for the duration of the celebrations as part of our efforts to make the GAA all-Ireland hurling championship final of 2009 a memorable one in this, our 125th anniversary year,” added Cooney.