GAELIC GAMES: A poll conducted among all 69 GAA clubs in Limerick by the Limerick Leader showed 74 per cent of officials were in favour of allowing soccer and rugby to be played at Croke Park.

All but two chairmen voiced their opinion as 51 said "yes" while 16 remained adamant the stadium should remain shut to other sports.

There was overwhelming support for the opening of Croke Park in the city division with 72 per cent in favour. In the more conservative west of the county, 67 per cent had no objection. However, county board chairman Pat Fitzgerald was reluctant to offer an opinion other than to say the matter would be debated at the February board meeting.

Meanwhile, Wexford Park, which saw some serious incidents during the year, could be fenced off for the 2004 season. County board secretary Michael Kinsella has warned the stand in the new €3.2 million stadium could have a wire fencing erected in front of it.

Kinsella is concerned for the safety of children whom he claims are at risk of serious injury while running on to the pitch during the pre-match warm-ups and during intervals at big games.

Kinsella was also concerned at supporters getting involved in incidents during games.

"We have had a couple of instances of supporters getting involved when there was no need to," he said. During the championship Wexford referee John Denton was assaulted at the end of the Duffry Rovers-Horeswood county senior football final after which Duffry players received hefty suspensions while the club was fined. The fracas involved players and supporters.

Also during the county minor hurling final involving Askamore and Oylegate-Glenbrien there was an incident involving players and officials, while substitutes and supporters emerged from the stand to become involved.