Days of great escapes 'over'

Seán Kelly took his leave of the GAA presidency on Saturday with a breezy, uncontroversial speech, which was well received by a standing ovation of delegates - with the conspicuous exception of Ulster chair Michael Greenan.

Reviewing his presidency, Kelly said he had "no regrets" and referred to a number of specific policy areas. Discipline had been a major challenge during his term of office but he was happy with the measures taken in recent years.

"Firstly, the DRA is a much needed quasi-legal body whose judgments will establish a basis for closing loopholes that eagle-eyed appellants may find. These loopholes will be eliminated in a short period of time, as case law is established and corrective action taken. And, indeed, measures before you today will ensure that cases won against the CDC last year won't be won again. The days of great escapes are over."

He was severe in regard to the escape that did take place recently, the successful appeals of Dublin and Tyrone.

"The recent upholding of appeals against CDC (by CAC) caused widespread revulsion and dismay. Having listened to both sides at a recent management meeting it is clear that the CDC were put in a invidious position as, for instance, the CDC had the right to obtain clarification from the referee but there were no guidelines as to how this was to be done so whatever method they chose could be challenged. "These are the kind of anomalies that needed addressing but we are putting in place a system with clearer guidelines."

In relation to players' issues and the GPA Kelly welcomed the recent framing of a set of concerns and demands by the players' organisation.

"There are always going to be issues concerning players and I welcome the players' response, to put before us clearly and unambiguously their concerns and demands."

He also stated that next month's meeting between the GAA and the AFL concerning the future of International Rules would consider "limiting the distance a player can travel before playing the ball to six steps, increasing the value of the goal to seven points, limiting the inter-change to four players per quarter".

Earlier Kelly, with what many delegates assumed was tongue in cheek, had referred to one of Greenan's less conventional tasks. "When I, as Uachtarán of CLG couldn't regretfully take up an invitation to attend soccer legend George Best's funeral, it was appropriate that the association was represented by a man of diverse sporting experiences, Ulster chairman, Michael Greenan."