Croker move 'would reflect well on GAA'

OPENING up Croke Park to rugby and soccer would allow the GAA to show itself "in the most favourable way possible" by supporting ecumenism in sport, Tipperary County Board chairman Donal Shanahan said last night.

Speaking to delegates at the annual convention in the Thurles Sarsfields centre, he said such a move would also ensure sports fans could follow Irish teams without the inconvenience of having to travel abroad.

Mr Shanahan rejected views that hurling standards in the county were at an all-time low - pointing out that the co-operation of the clubs was an essential element in the preparation of their inter-county teams - and he expressed regret at fellow officers being "castigated" at the recent football board convention.