GAA Congress:A new municipal stadium in Dublin, concerns about football and some administrative initiatives were among the topics addressed by GAA President Nickey Brennan on Saturday in his keynote speech to the association's annual congress in Kilkenny city's Hotel Kilkenny.
Speaking about the need for a small-scale stadium in the capital he said the GAA should manage it but it would be open to other sports. "I am of the view that another stadium of 25,000 capacity is required in Dublin . . . (it) should be all-seater, with appropriate quality flood lightning, while the installation of a roof should also be explored. Such a stadium should be modelled on Croke Park with appropriate levels of box and premium facilities commensurate with its size and capacity.
"We already have expertise within our association from Páirc an Chrócaigh Teoranta to manage such a stadium to the highest possible standards. Although Cumann Lúthchleas Gael would make extensive use of this stadium for our own games and non-match day activities, it would make sound and practical sense to facilitate other sports in such a facility. I look forward to exploring this proposal with the relevant GAA parties and the Government in the coming months."
Referring to his speech at the 1994 congress where he stated hurling was in crisis, the president expressed satisfaction about the interim progress of the game but expressed concern about the state of football.
"Many people I speak to on the matter have expressed concerns at the way the game is being coached and played, with it appears less emphasis on the traditional skills of catching and kicking. Some games are now more akin to basketball than Gaelic football.
"I fully accept the game has evolved to a combination of many different skills, but I share the views of many this should not be at the expense of the traditional great and attractive skills of the game. I will be pursuing this matter in the year ahead and we also need to consider if the appointment of a National Gaelic Football Development Officer, similar to the role currently undertaken by Paudie Butler for hurling might be appropriate."
In relation to administration he proposed the provincial secretaries be employed by Croke Park and be primarily answerable to the director general.
On the subject of the recent agreement with the Gaelic Players Association to make a joint application for player welfare grants, the president called on the Government to clarify the revenue sources under which the funds would be made available.
"In this context we have been informed funding could potentially be forthcoming from three separate departmental subheads, Sports Capital Funding, Games Development Funding and Sports Council Funding, which from a GAA perspective would be conditional on being additional to any funding the association currently receives and which would be administered by the association.
" . . . our association was of the view if there was a possibility finance from the Government might be forthcoming we had an obligation to pursue the matter and to accept the minister's invitation to make a submission."
On Saturday evening Central Council agreed in principle multi-sponsorships should be sought for the All-Ireland football and hurling championships when the deals with the Bank of Ireland and Guinness conclude next year.
No companies were specified but it was also agreed the same sponsor could be involved with both championships.
Finally Brennan dismissed on RTÉ television news as "a non-issue" the proposal, backed by Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, that a soccer friendly between Ireland and Brazil be played at Croke Park in June to raise funds for charity. When approached the Brazilians said they had a date free in June but the FAI and national team manager Steve Staunton have no plans to schedule a match for that month.
