GAA president Seán Kelly revealed yesterday the project to standardise sliotars for this year's championship had progressed.

The area had been investigated after last year's controversy about recently devised balls that had bounced too much, especially on the hard surface at Croke Park.

"Four companies have been given the go-ahead to produce sliotars that we have accepted for this year. Those will be used this year and will be supplied by the committee in charge of the games."

He also hinted that the GAA might take another look at the various fines that are imposed for breaches of match-day regulations.

In comments directed towards intercounty managers the president said the association was keen to act on their concerns and that "reservations about some of the fines will be taken on board".