Loftus returns to Croker after exile

Former GAA president Dr Mick Loftus will attend his first All-Ireland hurling final in 15 years on Sunday after lifting a self-imposed ban over the sponsorship of the competition by Guinness.

Dr Loftus has not attended the hurling showpiece in the past decade and a half in protest over the GAA’s decision to accept sponsorship from an alcohol firm. Dr Loftus said he would continue to be a strong opponent of sport being sponsored by drink companies but that he was going to attend the final between Galway and Kilkenny as an alcohol firm was no longer the main sponsor.

“Some other sponsors have now got involved in the sponsorship and the main offenders may have to bow to increasing pressure from public concern,” said the Co Mayo doctor, GAA President from 1985-87.