Congress backs GAA efforts to end pitch invasions

Congress has unanimously backed the GAA’s efforts to end the dangerous practise of post match pitch invasions.

Con Hogan, chairman of special committee estsblished to deal with the issue, gave a well received presentation which included a video package, to delegates in Newcastle, Co Down.

Seán Walsh, Jarlath Burns, Danny Murphy, Bob Honohan and Ger Doyle all spoke in favour of the GAA's attempts to address the dangerous practice and there were no speakers opposing these efforts.

The committee was formed to deal with the ongoing problem of pitch invasions, which are causing major health and safety concerns for patrons at grounds around the country and at Croke Park, in particular.

Speaking last month, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthcleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana said the safety of players and patrons is more important than an All-Ireland final day tradition.

“I hope we will move forward in a positive way to eliminate pitch invasions and that our presentation will be done accordingly in a way that is safe for players and safe for our patrons," the Uachtarán said.

"We are realistic about this. We know, as Páraic has said already, that people see it as a sense of tradition, but tradition won't carry you very far if someone is hurt very seriously or a death occurs as a result of a major pitch invasion.

"We have tried to in place a process that will try to eliminate this and to outline the concerns that we have and the issues around it.

"May I add that this is not just for Croke Park, it's for all venues that there are presentations, including provincial finals."

The Ard Stiúrthóir, writing in his annual report, stated that action must be taken immediately to avoid a potential tragedy.

He also appealed to those who have criticised the GAA's attempts to keep patrons off playing surface to recognise the serious nature of the incidents that have occurred and injuries sustained as a result of pitch invasions.

"Quite incredibly, our attempts to keep our supporters and players safe have been interpreted by some - including a few of our own officials at County level - as being motivated solely by a desire to bring an end to an All-Ireland final day tradition," the Ard Stiúrthóir wrote.

"I consider myself a traditionalist in many respects in GAA matters, yet I would ask these people, and others who doubt the need to review our approach in this regard, to recognise the reality that there have been several very serious injuries sustained in Croke Park in recent years due to pitch invasions."