OUTGOING GAA President Sean McCague was praised by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last night for the part he played in the removal of Rule 21 two years ago, which banned members of the police and British Army from membership of the Association.

THE GPA are to enter negotiations with GAA president-elect Sean Kelly with regard to player recognition at official level during his three-year term in office.

GAA President-elect Sean Kelly has admitted he favours scrapping minor games as the warm up to senior ties at Croke Park - to allow more players compete at HQ.