GAA chiefs are set to consider the financial future of Croke Park over the coming fortnight, it has been reported in the papers this morning. The only definite plan for the next year is for the demolition of the Nally Stand, the oldest remaining structure in Croke Park.
In the light of losing €38m of Government funding, for the redevelopment of the stadium, the GAA is considering it's agenda closely for the next 12 months.
Meanwhile, GAA president-elect Sean Kelly has made a radical proposal of hosting a new shield competition for weaker counties as the curtain raiser to both hurling and football Championship games, taking over from the minor matches that currently precede these games.
Kelly argues that many of the minor players who represent their county go on to senior level and get to experience the excitement of playing in Croke Park then, whereas very few players from the weaker counties ever get to enjoy that experience.
"It seems unfair to me that seniors from the weaker counties can go through their entire careers without ever getting the chance to play in Croke Park just because they aren't able to compete with the top sides," Kelly told the Irish Independent.
Kelly has also suggested that junior games be removed as the curtain raisers to the senior provincial championship matches and that ladies football and camogie matches be played at these times instead.
Filed by Johnny Proby
