Pat Gilroy has given his backing to the decision to erect nine-foot fencing in front of Hill 16.

The fence will be erected after Sunday's All-Ireland football semi-final between Dublin and Cork in a bid to prevent pitch invasions after next month's All-Ireland final. Gilroy yesterday described the move as "drastic", but believes the GAA must do what is best for the safety of its patrons.

"With all of these things you have to take a leap of faith and assume that all the health and safety aspects have been taken into account when you do something as drastic as that," the Dublin manager said.

"You would have to trust in the people who have made that decision, that they have really scrutinised that. It must have been their only option because it is a fairly drastic option considering what has happened in stadium's before with fencing.

"If there is a genuine risk of someone getting killed by not having the fence then it is better to have the fence. That is the overriding concern. If it causes a bit of discomfort for people in terms of viewing but saves a life then I don't think there is any argument about it." Tweet

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