Stringent new rules are needed to deal with increasing incidents of violence, verbal abuse and spitting, at GAA games.

Over the past couple of summers, GAA patrons have become accustomed to seeing the banners at half-time during championship games promoting the GAA’s respect initiative.

The ‘turning a blind eye’ mentality may be fuelling violence on GAA playing fields, writes Conall Ó Fátharta

Sport can bring out the best in people but, as anyone who has seen how out-of-control spectators, competitors or drug cheats can corrupt the most beautiful and honest endeavour will realise, it can show us at our very worst too.