Deane backs GAA's new post-match arrangements

Former Cork hurler Joe Deane has backed the GAA’s new post-match pitch arrangements which will see the winning Senior captain receive the Liam MacCarthy from Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana in the Hogan Stand on Sunday.

Three-time All-Ireland winner Deane experienced both sides of the post match arrangement as part of a Rebel County team which won All-Ireland hurling titles against Kilkenny in 1999 before the repeating the feat in 2004 and ‘05 against the Cats and Galway respectively.

For the latter two, supporters joined the players on the field for the presentation but Deane believes the GAA has been left with no option but to attempt to bring an end to the practice of post final pitch invasions.

“I remember the 1999 final when Mark Landers was presented with the trophy in the middle of the field and almost expecting people to join us on the field such was the tradition,” recalls the Killeagh clubman.

“However, we have moved on from that. I don’t think we can wait for something to happen, someone to be injured badly or perhaps worse, whether it be a child or an adult.

“Prevention is better than cure in my eyes. People will cite tradition and while it is important to the GAA it is totally negated by the risk of someone being hurt.”

The former live wire corner forward believes the GAA has been left with no option.

He added: “I think talk of an orderly descent onto the field is unrealistic.

“Two or three minutes after an All-Ireland final success is not the time for talk or the expectation of an orderly procession of 40,000 people onto the field.

“As a parent now I can see why attempts are being made to end it and when it comes down to health and safety it’s hard to argue against.”