GAA Congress adjourned after protesters enter Croker

The GAA's Annual Congress has been halted after protesters made their way into Croke Park.

A number of protesters made their way to the top table, holding a banner behind several officials, including GAA president Jarlath Burns.

A group of further protesters shouting "Allianz amach" and other chants soon made their way into the main room too.

Burns then announced that Congress was being adjourned for lunch, with both delegates and protesters leaving the room at that point.

When Congress restarted shortly after 2pm, Burns revealed that a security official had been injured and was waiting for an ambulance.

Back in December, the GAA opted to maintain its relationship with Allianz despite calls from a number of county boards to end its association with the insurance group.

A meeting of the GAA's An Coiste Bainistíochta took place where it heard a report from the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) on the issue, and it was ultimately decided to accept the recommendation of the EIC.

It came after Allianz, through its German parent company, was among a series of companies listed in a report by UN special rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese.

Fourteen of the 25 scheduled motions had been addressed by the time of the protest, the debates on the floor taking place against the backdrop of drums and chants from outside the stadium.

Delegates entering via the Hogan Stand prior to the commencement of day two of Congress had been met by a small group of protesters, but the numbers swelled as the morning moved along.

At some point, protesters managed to find their way into Croke Park and, indeed, into the hall hosting Congress sparking chaotic scenes.

Former Dublin football and hurling manager Pat Gilroy, Tyrone legend Peter Canavan and Meath great Colm O'Rourke were some of those who were part of the protest outside the ground.

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