Nickey Brennan has formally taken over the GAA presidency after being presented with the medal from the outgoing incumbent Sean Kelly at the annual congress in Killarney.
The Killkenny man will preside over the association for three years. Addressing congress, Brennan underlined his insistence that there will be no pay-for-play during his term in office.
"It's a wonderful honour," he told RTE Radio. "I'm glad I've taken it on and now I can get on with the work."
"We won't entertain any pay-for-play," he added. "It's important that I set out my position right from the start. But there are many issues about player welfare that we put on the table today and I'm happy to let the players feel they are wanted and respected."
Brennan also touched on the opening up of Croke Park, stressing that while he remains happy to allow the rugby and soccer fixtures take place next year, any subsequent problems regarding planning permission at Lansdowne Road would be addressed if and when they arise.
"We're obviously waiting to hear what is happening with the planning process," he said. "Hopefully everything will run to plan and we will continue to have other games in Croke Park during the time envisaged."