GAA confirm Boylan as International Rules boss

Seán Boylan and team have today been reappointed to manage Ireland for the 2009 International Rules series.

The GAA's Central Council also announced that there will be no designated teams in the first round of the All Ireland Football Championship Qualifiers in 2009 and that the first team drawn in each tie would be entitled to home venue.

Australia will play two International Rules games in Ireland in 2009 (venues to be confirmed) following which there will be a break for one year in 2010.

The series will continue in 2011 and 2012. Discussions are continuing with the AFL in relation to recruitment of Irish players.

Liam Keane, Secretary of the DRA, said that 23 requests for arbitration had been received this year, of which five were successful.

He said the number of requests continued to fall and now average less than two per month.

Finance Director, Tom Ryan presented the budget for the Association for 2009 at the meeting. It was confirmed that there would be no increase in admission prices in 2009.

The proposed increase in mileage rates has been deferred due to falling fuel prices.

National Children’s Officer, Gearóid Ó Maoilmhichíl outlined to the meeting developments to help ensure the delivery of best practice for the welfare and protection of children and young people in the GAA.