Kelly urges discipline in club clashes

GAA President Sean Kelly has called for a more disciplined approach from club teams as county championships reach their conclusion all over the country - with up to 14 finals down for decision this weekend.

Extolling the virtues of the AIB Club championships, given an early launch yesterday to highlight their importance over the winter months, Mr Kelly said the only downside was the breakdown in discipline of the sort evidenced in brawls at a number of venues in recent weeks.

“We know the commitment given by our players, but we would ask them to contain their passion,” he said.

Mr Kelly congratulated AIB for holding the launch in London, with the Meehan brothers from Caltra and the O’Connor twins from Newtownshandrum being photographed near Tower Bridge and on the London Eye. The policy was consistent with his efforts “to bring the GAA to everybody” and recognise people working overseas to promote the games.

He said the club championships “were the real heart of the GAA” and the victories of Caltra and Newtown symbolised what they were all about, that small clubs could aspire to what these teams had achieved in 2004.

He also looked forward to the development of separate junior and intermediate club championships.

Mr Kelly paid tribute to AIB for their sponsorship and marketing, which had seen attendances grow substantially and produce a record crowd at this year’s finals on St Patrick’s Day.

The huge interest in the finals led to difficulties on the day.

“We took stick for that and rightly so,” he said, “because we had not been prepared for the crowd.”

Speaking on behalf of AIB, Billy Finn said they were proud of the growth in popularity of the championships.

“We have seen them grow in stature and earn their rightful place as a major highlight of the GAA season. You have only to think back to the crowds that turned up last year to appreciate their popularity,” he added.

Mr Finn, revealing that AIB is increasing its financial commitment by over €500,000, said they would continue to work with the GAA to make the championships “the best club competition of any sport in Europe”.

The launch was attended by representatives of the London County Board, Provincial Council of Great Britain and members of An Riocht team, which recently won the British championship.

Kerry star Colm Cooper, who works with AIB, also travelled.