Funds were proportionate to GAA’s contribution

ALBERT HICKEY (Irish Examiner Letters, October 18) attacks the GAA because of the association’s policy in relation to the use of its own stadium, Croke Park, which it has redeveloped at a cost of over €250m.

Mr Hickey criticises the Government for its financial support of the GAA - an association that has developed a network of facilities countrywide at a cost estimated to be in the region of €2.6bn with the aim of providing a social, cultural and sporting outlet for communities in rural parishes, villages, towns and cities across the country.

It has made an inestimable contribution to the social, mental and physical health and wellbeing of the nation, and National Lottery funding in respect of the redevelopment of Croke Park is a welcome acknowledgment of this contribution to Irish society.