BY ALAN RODGERS

A.RODGERS@GAELICLIFE.COM

FOR anyone who ever wondered what a wind turbine would look on top of the Hogan Stand, the GAA could be about to provide the answer.

The GAA is about to go green in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint. But it remains to be seen whether or not its plans include a windmill generating electricity from the highest point of Croke Park.

In the next few weeks the Association will announce a major five year programme to make Croke Park a truly Green stadium. And, that doesn't involved painting the stands and exterior the same colour as the hallowed sod.

The GAA President, Nickey Brennan, wants to see extensive engagement with GAA patrons to obtain their support for the Green Stadium Initiative.

"Throughout its history the GAA has been a force for change and national development, but development today must be sustainable," Nickey Brennan remarked.

"Resources are finite and climate change is a fact. Selfish use of resources, if unchecked, will damage our environment and impoverish us all.

"At the heart of the G.A.A. is working together and putting more in than you take out. For this reason the environmental challenge we all face, the Green agenda if you like, is a natural fit for us all."

Of course, the Kilkenny man is quick to emphasise that the Assoication is committed to respecting and protecting the environment.

It is hoped that this will be achieved through energy efficency, environmental best practice and a carbon neutral target for all stadium activities.

However, at a time when the GAA has erected high-powered floodlights at venues throiughout the country, the new initiative might well be taken with a pinch of salt by those with a handle on environmental affairs.