The GAA's wish to eradicate post-match pitch invasions received a boost on Sunday when Tipperary and Kilkenny fans refrained from entering the playing area at the conclusion of the All-Ireland SHC final.
The association has made it clear that the tradition of fans rushing onto the pitch after the final whistle will no longer be tolerated and in order to achieve this aim a barrier was erected in front of Hill 16.
As Tipperary celebrated their victory over Kilkenny, supporters from both sides remained in the stands, much to the delight of the GAA.
"Yes we are delighted that everything went according to plan," GAA communications chief Lisa Clancy said. "It was due to a combination of factors - the support from the fans, the GPA, the players, management, gardai and the stewards.
"We had done a huge communication campaign nationally and locally to achieve this. It was a massive effort and everyone was committed to it being a success. And thankfully it was.
"It all meant that the winning team got to enjoy a celebration that was unique while the losing team was able to leave the field without being swarmed by opposition fans."
It is now hoped that fans will remain off the pitch at the end of the All-Ireland SFC final on Sunday week with the association hoping the practice becomes the norm.
"The key thing is that we will be looking to do the same for the All-Ireland football final and we would be hopeful that fans from Cork and Down will react in the same way that the Tipperary and Kilkenny fans did," Clancy is quoted as saying in the Irish Examiner.
"We would like to see a day when this becomes normal. We are confident that it can be achieved but we will be taking it one day at a time."