GAA bosses deny cash was linked to opening up of Croker
The GAA have said today that at no time did they discuss with the Government the question of the opening up of Croke Park to international sport.
As a political row continues over the £60m windfall for the Association, GAA bosses have released a statement denying any link between the funding and the opening up of Croke Park.
Coalition partners the Progressive Democrats are of the view that the funding should be linking to the end of gaelic games' monopoly on the country's biggest sporting venue, and that soccer and rugby among other sports should be played there.
However, Association bosses have now made their first comment on the row .
They said that protracted negotiations have taken place with Government officials in relation to funding, but at no stage were these discussions connected to the use of Croke Park for other sports.
The statement goes on to say that the GAA are satisfied they received a clear and firm commitment in regard to the funding.
A motion relating to the internationalisation of sporting fixtures at Croke Park failed to reach the required two-thirds majority by just two votes at last weekend's Annual GAA Congress.
