The increasing number of financial claims made against the GAA as a result of injuries sustained by supporters invading Croke Park after matches has led the association's president, Nickey Brennan, to confirm all trophy presentations will be made on the field next year.

Brennan said a departure from the traditional Hogan Stand ceremony - to something along the lines of the Champions League and Heineken European Cup presentations - is due to health and safety concerns. "Tradition is not sacrosanct. Everybody can see it properly out on the field. It's the way all modern sports do their presentation. The players can (then) go around (the field).

"It won't happen this year but I'd like to see the presentation move on to the field next year and we'll do the full presentation - the runners-up medals and winners' medals - and make an occasion out of it. Bring down the President, Taoiseach, sponsors and whatever dignitaries on to the field.

"I think if the supporters see we really want to make it an occasion for the players where they get their medals, I think they might come with us. If that fails well then we have a problem."

Brennan failed to note people in the stand behind the presentation might have their view hindered by the advertising hoarding. Those in the press box at the Millennium Stadium for the European Cup final last May were unable to see Munster's Anthony Foley lift the trophy as he was facing the other direction.

Pitch invasions became a genuine concern for the GAA after this year's Leinster football final and it happened again after last Sunday's All-Ireland hurling final when Kilkenny supporters on Hill 16 were allowed on to the field.

"Basically what happened was a gate was incorrectly opened," explained Brennan. "Once one or two got out everyone felt they were going to get out. Had that gate not been opened I think we would have contained it . . . The groundsmen in the field spent eight hours yesterday picking up jewellery, coins, glass, money, you name it. People have to go down on their hands and knees to pick it up because there will be players out on it next Sunday that could fall on this stuff."

Brennan was unable to give the number of claims this year or what kind of financial pay-out the GAA may be facing as a result. "I don't know the details but I know there are numerous claims in any time people come on the field . . . It is a very serious business from our point of view in terms of the number of claims and the expenses. Clearly these claims are being contested so it's very hard to say but there is potentially a fair bit of money involved."

On a related issue, Brennan was hopeful the increasing criticism of the Croke Park surface - which stadium director Peter McKenna initially blamed on Dublin fans - would be avoided in next year's championship. "You hope next year's championship will be about the game and not be about the pitch. Cost is not the issue. Whatever needs to be done to get the field right will be done."

It was confirmed yesterday Dublin's opening National Football League tie on February 3rd would be the first Croke Park event under floodlights. The opposition hasn't been confirmed but a high-profile encounter with Kerry seems probable.

"I make no bones about it, when the lights are in I feel we should open it with one of our big games and I don't think it comes better than Dublin here," said Brennan. "In an ideal world I'd like to see the Dublin hurlers on the same bill. The hurling league wouldn't have started by that stage but we might put on a hurling exhibition match as well."