The Down county board is preparing to push the boat out in style when it hosts the GAA Annual Congress in Newcastle next April.

Down officials, delighted to be in the role of hosts, are already planning to introduce what county secretary Sean Og McAteer describes as “several extras” to the overall programme in order to make Congress a truly memorable event.

“We expect to have President McAleese there as well as other VIP’s and obviously we are very keen to showcase Down GAA in the best possible light,” says McAteer.

Congress will now assume an added dimension following the historic pact entered into by the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association. It is expected that the agreement between the two parties will be formally ratified then enshrined in the Official Guide.

Indeed, the agreement could be a subject for discussion at the Slieve Donard Hotel get-together of delegates from every county as well as those from overseas units of the GAA.

Fergal McCormack has been installed as chairman of the special committee set up by the Down board to oversee arrangements.

“Fergal is already proving a guiding light in this respect and we would expect that all delegates to Newcastle for the event next April will get a true flavour of Down hospitality,” adds McAteer.

Meanwhile, Down chairman Kevin Bell, who has intimated that he is to step down at the county Convention shortly, is hoping to become one of his county’s delegates to Central Council.