GAA delight as pitch fears fade

GAA chiefs last night expressed delight that fans remained off the field after Tipperary’s sensational victory over Kilkenny in yesterday’s All-Ireland SHC final.

The Association were adamant that the tradition of post-match pitch invasions would not be tolerated for the hurling decider and had undertaken a number of high-profile strategies – including the placing of a perspex wall at the front of Hill 16 – to achieve their ambition.

GAA communications chief Lisa Clancy last night thanked all involved in making the presentation a success and is hopeful for a repeat after the All-Ireland football decider between Cork and Down in a fortnight.