Croker fencing ‘almost inevitable’

THE erection of fencing around the Croke Park pitch was yesterday described as ‘almost inevitable’ by stadium director Peter McKenna after Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final post-match pitch invasion.

Stringent attempts by GAA chiefs to eradicate the practice and stage the victory presentation in the centre of the field were scuppered when Kilkenny fans broke past stewards at the Hill 16 end of the ground. McKenna described the situation as ‘exceptionally dangerous’ and revealed that a number of stewards were assaulted by fans, which could lead to prosecutions when video footage is properly examined.

“I think it’s almost inevitable that there will be fencing in the whole ground. We’d have to talk with the various statutory bodies, as there is European legislation where they has to be quick release in terms of evacuation. But fencing will really take from the vista and will make the place Ceausescu-esque.