Pitch presentation may return to Croker

GAA chiefs may revert to a pitch presentation of the Sam Maguire for the All-Ireland football final in two weeks after another pitch invasion by celebrating Kilkenny fans yesterday.

Authorities have become increasingly concerned at the safety implications of a mass rush onto the pitch for the traditional trophy presentation which takes place in the Hogan Stand.

GAA officials believe that a presentation in the middle of the Croke Park pitch, which was the practice between 1999 and 2001 while the Hogan Stand was being rebuilt, will stop supporters attempting to flood onto the pitch after the final whistle.