Croker presentations to return to pitch

The GAA are expected to confirm this week that the presentation of this year's Liam MacCarthy and Sam Maguire Cups will take place in the centre of the Croke Park pitch.

A report in today's Irish Independent suggests that the GAA will abandon the traditional Hogan Stand presentation in favour of the more controlled environment of the on-pitch celebrations.

Insurance costs at Croke Park have risen dramatically in recent years as the health and safety of fans is threatened by hordes of fans invading the pitch to celebrate in front of the Hogan Stand.

Indeed, last year's celebrations by Tyrone saw Kerry's Colm Cooper jostled on his way to the dressing rooms, while captain Kieran McGeeney had to urge fans to move back as Armagh celebrated their maiden All-Ireland win 2002.

The practice of on-pitch celebrations is not a new one for the GAA, who enjoyed three largely incident free years when the celebrations took place on the hallowed turf from 1999 to 2001 while the Hogan Stand was being redeveloped.

The report also suggests that pitch incursions may also become unlawful, like in Australia and the UK.