GAA: DUNPHY IN CALL TO OPEN CROKER.

Byline: JACKIE CAHILL

KILKENNY county board secretary Pat Dunphy has called on GAA top brass to consider opening up Croke Park to other sports - with the UEFA deadline for the Celtic bid fast approaching.

Dunphy makes his plea in his report to county convention which takes place at O'Loughlin Gaels GAA centre next Monday.

Dunphy wrote: "We are still spending so much money on Croke Park...and still you wonder, why spend so much money on a stadium that will only open its doors for six months of the year.

"Surely from a business point of view, the grounds and facilities are well capable of generating huge income for the Association.

"We are fighting for the youth to play our games, but many of these cannot understand why Croke Park cannot be opened to some sports when in the past it has been opened to boxing, American football and concerts."

Dunphy also hit out at the Allstar selectors' decision to award the goalkeeper's position on the hurling team to Clare's Davy Fitzgerald and not Cats netminder James McGarry.

"Seven Allstars was a great return...however, a case has to make for our star goalkeeper.

"What does he have to do to get an Allstar? He had another fabulous year."

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OVERLOOKED: James McGary