GAA steps up campaign to curtail pitch invasions

The GAA has reiterated its appeal to patrons attending games in the coming weeks and months to refrain from entering the playing areas of its stadiums after matches.

Supporters are being urged to consider the risks posed by crowd incursions onto pitches and in particular the dangers posed to players and fellow supporters by large-scale pitch invasions.

The practice also jeopardises the health of small children, the elderly, disabled patrons and pregnant women, the association says.

Commenting in a statement released today, GAA President Christy Cooney asked supporters to consider the safety and well-being of others before encroaching onto playing areas at venues around the country.

He said: "We all appreciate the tradition associated with the practice of entering the playing area after provincial and national successes and especially when victorious teams end long periods without title wins.

"However the time has come for us to get serious about tackling this issue in an effort to ensure the well being of all of those who go to our games, whether they be young or old.

"The risk factor involved in a mass stampede of people onto a field at anyone time is simply too great to ignore and our players, who have given their all in the previous 70 minutes, deserve the opportunity to be able to leave the field in comfort instead of being swamped by supporters in what can sometimes develop into dangerous situations."

Meanwhile, the GAA has also confirmed that remaining tickets for Sunday's Leinster Senior and Minor Football Championship finals at Croke Park will be on sale to the general public on Sunday morning from 10am from ticket shops at Lower Dorset Street and Gills.