Kelly slams residents’ Croke Park objections

THE GAA spent almost €2m on a community centre for residents close to Croke Park, and provided concert tickets worth over €130,000 in a bid to maintain good relations, it has emerged.

Ex-GAA president Sean Kelly has criticised the “two or three” objectors who spiked plans to stage the International Rules test under floodlights, and insists that the GAA has been generous to residents.

In his exclusive Irish Examiner column today, Mr Kelly muses: “Did you know that the GAA built a community centre for the residents in the vicinity of the stadium at a cost of €1.8m; that €132,000 worth of free tickets were made available for concerts at Croke Park? And that an annual spend of a €250,000 is devoted to cleaning the vicinity of the grounds after matches? Throw in another 1m for Garda and security costs and I think you’ll agree that the GAA has endeavoured to be a good neighbour.”

He said it was very disappointing that planning permission for the floodlighting won’t be granted in time for the Rules in November.