Cooney disappointed by pitch invasion

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• Watch: Joe Stack gets reaction from the fans leaving Croke Park following the All-Ireland Final and talks to Michael Rice and Brian Cody of Kilkenny and Brendan Cummins and Liam Sheedy of Tipperary.
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GAA President Christy Cooney has said he was disappointed by the pitch invasion which disrupted the trophy presentation after yesterday’s All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final at Croke Park.

The trophy was presented to Kilkenny captain Michael Fennelly in the Hogan Stand after a pitch invasion put a stop to plans for an on-field presentation.

The organisation had planned a special presentation on the field after the match in a 'risk free environment', according to a statement released today.

Cooney also suggested the organisation would step up their efforts to stop pitch invasions in future due to health and safety concerns.

Cooney said: 'Despite all pre-match communications, press publicity and big-screen appeals, it was extremely disappointing to see our plans were not realised.

'Even allowing for all the exuberance and joy of supporters on the day, it was disappointing to see the disregard for the safety of others amongst fans intent on getting on the pitch and ignoring safety appeals.

'Sincere thanks to Gardaí, stewards and all who played a crucial role in ensuring the contingency plan worked successfully.'

Organisation still intends to end pitch invasions

Cooney said he thought yesterday’s final highlighted an even stronger need to end pitch invasions.

He added: 'The GAA intend to stop pitch invasions due to health and safety concerns and yesterday highlighted even stronger the need for this.

'The GAA will be working closely with Gardaí this week to review plans before the All-Ireland Football final on 20 September.'