Kelly hits back over Croke Park criticism

The President of the GAA, Sean Kelly, has hit back at members of the organisation who have criticised his standing on the opening…

The President of the GAA, Sean Kelly, has hit back at members of the organisation who have criticised his standing on the opening of Croke Park to other codes, stating that he had simply 'articulated his own point of view'.

In an interview today, Kelly addressed personal criticism levelled at him at yesterday's meeting of the Cork county convention, in which one member stated that "the president does not deserve the respect of ordinary Gaels".

"All I've done as Uachtarán is, which is the same as I've done prior to being elected Uachtarán, is articulated my own view in relation to how I think the association should go," he said.

In the past, Kelly has made broadly spoken in favour of the opening of the Croke Park to other sports, notably soccer and rugby.

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He acknowledged that some clubs were also in favour of opening the venue, but insisted that the current media focus on the issue was simply a result of 'democracy'.

"The one thing I've asked clubs to do, as indeed have central council, is to discuss these matters and to come up with motions if they so wish for Congress," he told RTE News.

At the Cork convention at Pairc Ui Chaoimh last evening Midleton delegate Sean Keohane said he was annoyed that Kelly was issuing personal statements on the matter of the opening of Croke Park.

"He should be espousing Association policy and nothing else," he is reported as saying.