Liam O’Neill from County Laois was installed as President of the GAA on Saturday at the association’s annual Congress in Killenard.  He takes over from outgoing President Christy Cooney who used his speech to urge the introduction of tighter rules on payment to managers.
The GAA was boosted by the news last week that Etihad Airways had signed a new five year, multi million sponsorship deal to back the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship and the new Etihad Airways Skywalk at Croke Park stadium.
O’Neill focused in his speech on three areas.  First was the need for better discipline and the recruitment of referees.  Second was the importance of managing finance, pledging assistance where needed in terms of fundraising initiatives, accounts management and advice.  The third was the recruitment of new members and volunteers, learning from the work done by overseas clubs and units.
A motion was passed making it obligatory to wear mouth guards at all levels of the game though one allowing up to four sponsors appear on a county GAA shirt was withdrawn.
The sport then went on to produce some thrilling weekend action with Mayo overcoming Kerry after extra time in the semi final of the Allianz Football League and Dublin and Galway finishing all square in the Hurling Division 1A relegation play-off.
Monday’s Other News Stories
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Sport for Business will donate €1 to Special Olympics Ireland for every genuine new sign up to the Free Daily News Digest during April
Sport for Business will make a donation to Special Olympics Ireland of 5% of the value of each new subscription paid for during April