GAA president geared up for big weekend
GAA president Christy Cooney is preparing up for a hectic weekend with Sunday's All-Ireland SFC final and the presentation of the Sam Maguire Cup only one of a multitude of duties he will face between now and Sunday.
The Youghal native today faces a busy day with the Comhairle Ardoideachais (3rd Level GAA) AGM in DIT, Aungier Street in the morning, the Sevens competitions in Kilmacud Crokes and St. Jude's, Handball finals at Croke Park and then the traditional 'Up For The Match' TV programme in RTÉ.
"We have the Sevens, the third level GAA AGM, the Handball finals in the afternoon and then the 'Up For The Match' programme in RTÉ," he said.
"It's helter skelter from 9am until midnight and then on Sunday until whatever time!
"I'm looking forward to it being a wonderful weekend and most of all I hope we have a fabulous final on Sunday. If we have anything like a repeat of the hurling, it will be a truly remarkable 125th season for us."
In the wake of criticism over the appointment of Marty Duffy as referee for the senior decider between Cork and Kerry, Cooney says it is imperative to recognise the value and importance of our match officials.
Duffy's counterpart, Eddie Kinsella from the Courtwood club in Laois, will take charge of the minor final between Armagh and Mayo.
Cooney is confident that both appointed referees will do an excellent job tomorrow afternoon.
"They will do an excellent job, we have our utmost confidence in them. They are two outstanding guys and I'm sure they will do a great job on Sunday and we wish them every good wish."
Last night Cooney attended the GAA 125th Anniversary Brainiac Quiz at the GAA Museum where Offaly native Peter Guing was crowned champion - defeating former Wexford hurler Tony Doran in the final.
The GAA president says that it is a competition which will hopefully be run again next year.
"I would think so, the competition has been a remarkable success. Over 140 contestants took part and applied and it came down to the final," he said.
"Peter Guing put in a remarkable performance. I don't know did he drop one question over the entire series? A stalwart like Tony Doran being defeated in the final.
"We are thrilled with it. Our staff in the stadium and the museum did an excellent job and also (the quizmaster) Jimmy Magee gave it his special touch."
