Croke Park pitch to be protected

Organisers of the Special Olympics have ensured that the Croke Park playing pitch will not be harmed during the opening and closing ceremonies.

The GAA headquarters will be protected with a permeable covering to allow light, air and moisture through to the semi synthetic surface.

A spokesman for the organisers said: "We did Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney for an event last summer and the technology we use will not do any damage whatsoever."