THE growth and spread of the GAA has been one of the more uplifting sports stories of 2011, putting a positive spin on the harrowing reality that economic conditions have forced many of our most promising young athletes abroad.

NATIONAL Referees Association chairman Mick Curley has condemned the assault on former inter-county official Willie Barrett during a Tipperary club game.

A WATERFORD GAA club will submit a motion to Congress calling on Croke Park to host two non-GAA events on an annual basis from 2011 onwards in an effort to alleviate the financial burdens at grassroots level.

Dublin senior football manager Paul Caffrey will leave it closer to throw-in on Sunday to name his side to face Monaghan in the rearranged Allianz NFL Division 2 meeting between the counties set for Parnell Park on Sunday at 2.30pm.

The IRFU and the FAI have welcomed the decision by the GAA Annual Congress to allow the possibility of international games to be played at Croke Park during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road.

The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, John O’Donoghue has welcomed the decision today at the GAA Annual Congress to allow the temporary relaxation of Rule 42.

The GAA Annual Congress has voted to use a secret ballot in deciding whether to allow a temporary relaxation of the infamous Rule 42 to allow rugby and soccer internationals to be played at Croke Park while Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped.

Kerry county board chairman Seán Walsh has reiterated his belief that next year's GAA Annual Congress will make the decision to open up Croke Park to other sports.

THE GPA last night criticised GAA authorities for voting to reduce inter county squads.