Jayo would have been the happiest man in Croke Park.

ONE DOWN, HOW MANY MORE TO COME?
Speaking of unusual achievements, last Sunday Nickey Brennan became only the fourth GAA President to hand the Liam McCarthy Cup over to a fellow countyman. It was the first time since 1983 when Padraig O Bogaigh also presented Kilkenny with the trophy. In all it has occurred on 13 occasions, mainly thanks to James Nowlan . . . again Kilkenny . . . who passed over the cup on an astounding seven occasions during his 20-year tenure. The others to have such an honour were Seamus Gardiner (Tipperary) and Cork man Conchur O Murcha who presented to Cork in 1976, '77 and '78.

Nickey Brennan: presentation Football is lagging some way behind. Five men have achieved the feat but it's only happened on seven occasions. In the lead, Daniel McCarthy of Dublin who presented the trophy to his county three times. Frank Dineen (Limerick), Dr Joseph Stewart (Dublin), Joe McDonagh (Galway) and Sean Kelly (Kerry) have done it once each.

MORE THAN STEWARDS NEED A PLAN B Why break from the theme now?
While many of the suggested amendments from headquarters can't really be argued with, the idea of having the trophy presented centre-field is a disastrous thought.

Does anybody remember the lifeless celebrations while the Hogan Stand was being rebuilt? The reason behind the idea, according to Nickey Brennan, is because virtually every other presentation in sport is done is such a fashion, but the real thinking probably lies somewhere closer to Peter McKenna's pitch. Do they really think if Monaghan or Kildare win an All Ireland, the fans will sit back and applaud politely in the stands?

Switch to Plan B lads.