GAA WEBSITE:FORMER GAA president Nickey Brennan was back in Croke Park yesterday, not to reminisce but to look to the future, with the revamping of the GAA website – www.gaa.ie.

Brennan, as chairman of the GAA’s Information Technology and Communications Committee, played a central role in bringing the website up to date, following its launch back in 1999.

Among the basic elements of the new site are expanded fixtures, results, news and ticket-purchasing features, but it goes well beyond that.

The full historical archive of results is now accessible, plus training videos, information on coaching, and a new search tool for clubs.

“First of all this is the central depository of all GAA statistics,” said Brennan, who paid tribute to the GAA’s communications office, particularly Gary Finn, for their work in updating the website.

“One of the many new things we’ve introduced is a new electronic registration system, the only registration system that we have in the GAA. As of yesterday evening there were 215,000, but there’s quite a bit to go. It’s also important that counties recognise that this is the only method through which people can be registered as members of the GAA, so it is crucial that they work on that.

Brennan also highlighted the huge number of site visitors from overseas members.

The GAA will be adding features regularly to ensure each community across the country and abroad is communicated with, also using the latest technology.