THE GAA management will not be making any comment regarding the decision of the Kilkenny County Board to formally complain against alleged assaults on several supporters by Croke Park stewards in the moments immediately following the All-Ireland hurling final on September 6th.

That is, until they receive the complaint in writing.

Citing health and safety issues, combined with the €500,000 worth of claims after supporters were injured on the field, the GAA requested nobody enters the field of play after matches in Croke Park.

However, security was not increased and “Plan B” was quickly announced when the Croke Park stewards were unable to contain eager Kilkenny supporters wishing to celebrate the four-in-a-row in the traditional manner – a pitch invasion.

The plan for the hurling final was to bring dignitaries, including President Mary McAleese, onto a temporary podium where the presentation would take place.

However, once the fans started streaming onto the field this had to be quickly abandoned.

It wasn’t even considered for the football final although the podium was used to present the Armagh minors with the Tom Markham Cup.

At Monday’s county board meeting Kilkenny delegate Pat Dunphy claimed fans were “chased and kicked” by stewards, while the danger to the children brought onto the pitch to surround the winners podium was also criticised.

“We will be reviewing our post match situation going forward,” responded a GAA spokesman.

“We trialled (an on-field presentation) and it was an educational exercise for the minor football final to show people what we had in mind for future presentations.

“We can’t comment further until we see the specifics of any letter.”

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that All-Ireland champions Kerry will host their quarter-final victims Dublin in Killarney for the opening round of the National Football League.

Ulster, Derry versus Tyrone, and Connacht, Galway against Mayo, derbies will officially launch the competition on Saturday February 6th in Celtic Park and Castlebar.

The National Hurling League opener will be a repeat of the All-Ireland final with Kilkenny travelling to Thurles to face Munster champions Tipperary.