The GAA's finance officer is to leave Croke Park before the end of the month. Frank Tierney has held the position since 1988 and has decided to take up another job, believed to be also in sports administration as chief executive of another organisation.

His departure comes at a time when the demands of the post have escalated, particularly with the redevelopment programme at Croke Park. Last year a proposal to install an updated management structure with the appointment of four executives was withdrawn. Tierney says that this decision didn't disappoint him.

"I wanted something with a challenge, a job where I would be in control. I was never going to get Liam Mulvihill's job because he's younger than me. "I wouldn't say that what happened last year disappointed me. There was a certain perspective there, but I didn't think it was going about things in the right way. But I think that Sean McCague is thinking along those lines and working towards something similar."

Tierney points out that the financial turnover during his time in Croke Park has risen from £2,000,000 to £11,000,000.

"I think the finances need new approaches, there's serious money coming in and the whole running of the stadium should be reviewed. But these things are being addressed."