Brennan defends €500,000 Croker fireworks

DESPITE criticism of the GAA’s plans to hold a fireworks display costing €500,000 at Saturday week’s opening NFL game between Dublin and Tyrone, Nickey Brennanyesterday described the event, as “a night of celebration of the achievements of our association over those 125 years”.

The cost of the celebrations has been described as excessive, with Tyrone manager Mickey Harte this week becoming the latest critic. But the GAA president insisted that the game was a key event as it sees the launch of the association’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

“The GAA has been the cornerstone of Irish community life for 125 years. It has enabled communities to achieve a true sense of identity and pride in place.