President flies the flag at Congress

IN HIS speech to Congress, president Aogán Ó Fearghail addressed a number of issues: GAA SUPPORT FOR A UNITED IRELAND: ‘Many of our members view their Irishness through the prism of their involvement with the GAA, no matter where they find themselves. Our basic aim as an Association is embodied in Rule 1.2 of our official guide which states our aim as “strengthening the national identity in a 32county Ireland”.

That aim remains and all of us in the GAA aspire to a 32-county Ireland united by agreement of the people.

‘The flag and anthem are a precious part of our heritage and will remain so… Together they provide us with a tangible demonstration of our ideals and visions.

‘If change comes to this country in the coming years we will be part of the discussion and the emerging narrative given the place we occupy in Irish society. Change in the form of a new agreed united Ireland is something we in the GAA aspire towards.’ HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP REFORM:

‘We will bring to Central Council proposals designed at ensuring that the game is in no way eclipsed by football.’ GAELIC PLAYERS ASSOCIATION:

‘We will continue to fund GPA programmes in the amount of €2.75m per annum, a slight increase on the previous agreement.

‘There is no demand for pay to play, it is off the agenda and we are all agreed that the amateur status of our players remains fully intact.’