A former GAA president has vowed to continue his battle against alcohol firms sponsoring sport despite lifting a self-imposed ban on attending the All-Ireland hurling final.

Crossmolina’s Dr Mick Loftus, who was president of the GAA from 1985-87, stopped attending the finals 15 years ago in protest at the championship being sponsored by Guinness.

The 83-year old stressed he is not anti-drink, but is opposed to sport being used to promote the sale and consumption of alcohol.

He has decided to attend next Sunday’s All-Ireland final between Galway and Kilkenny as Guinness are no longer the main sponsor and claims that his protest has served its purpose to some degree.