GAA fans monitored by €1m camera system

GAA fans attending Croke Park are doing so under the watchful gaze of 200 newly-installed security cameras, it emerged today.

GAA fans attending Croke Park are doing so under the watchful gaze of 200 newly-installed security cameras, it emerged today.

The €1 million system will monitor fans in the vicinity of the grounds and on all approach roads within half-mile radius. The system can also zoom in to monitor every seat in the 80,000 capacity stadium and can also view action on the pitch.

The images are viewed by control room personnel through more than 20 colour screens. The system can also link in with images beamed from the Garda helicpoter above Croke Park on big match days.

Stadium Director, Mr Peter McKenna said the system is designed to provide "optimum security and to protect both GAA fans and the stadium itself."