Government pays out for Croke Park

Sports Minister John O'Donoghue delivered a pre-Christmas present to the GAA last night.

GAA bosses are set to save around €1.3m on interest payments next year after Mr O'Donoghue delivered in full on the Government's €38m pledge for the redevelopment of Croke Park.

Mr O'Donoghue had said previously that the final €18m of the allocation would be paid next year, but he has now given the GAA the full amount.

GAA President Sean Kelly welcomed the announcement, and added: "This was not at our prompting - it was the minister's initiative."