THE GAA contract with the fast food operator fined £55,000 for having filthy, mice infested outlets at Croke Park will remain in place for the immediate future, a spokesman said last night.
The franchise to sell food at two outlets in the Hogan Stand, and another held by Mr Michael Lawlor and the Canal Shop, would be reviewed at a later date, Mr Danny Lynch said.
The GAA, meanwhile, is to face a separate prosecution by the Eastern Health Board on the outlets, to be heard on January 23rd.
Mr Michael Lawlor was still not available for comment last night after he was handed the heaviest ever fine for breaches of hygiene regulations.
Responding to the District Court judgment against the former Irish soccer international, Mr Lynch said: "We are obviously concerned and disappointed that such a thing could happen. It happened in the context of a concessionaire, of which there are a few operating in Croke Park.
Matters that caused this problem have now been rectified and the areas in which they happened are due for demolition later this year. The GAA would be more than glad to invite in health authorities in the foreseeable future to allay any fears."
The All Ireland club finals on St Patrick's Day was the next scheduled sporting event at the grounds. Mr Lynch said he could not comment on whether Mr Lawlor would still hold his contract to run his three fast food outlets by then, and stressed that he was appealing the court judgment.
However, he said the contract would be reviewed in the future "as a matter of course".
Mr Lawlor is a member of one of the State's most successful soccer families. His father, Kit Lawlor, was a talented Irish international player in the 1940s and 1950s, and Mick followed in his footsteps playing for his country. His brothers, Martin and Robbie, both emulated their father's achievements by winning FAI medals in the sport.
Mr Lawlor started his Fifth Avenue Food Company in 1987, after being inspired by fast food services at sports arenas in the US. He opened his fast food stalls at Croke Park in 1989.
Three years later he set up Concession Ireland, registered as being based at his home in Whitethorn Park, Artane, Dublin. Companies Office records show the company trading as Arena Catering and list Mr Lawlor and his wife Caroline as its directors.
