Croker will not host non-gaelic games after 2008 (subject to conditions)

ANXIOUS

The GAA today agreed to allow soccer and rugby matches to be played at Croke Park in 2008, but rejected the possibility of hosting non-Gaelic games beyond that point.

It was agreed at a Central Council meeting in Croke Park that should the Lansdowne Road redevelopment project become unviable, the 2005 Congress decision on the use of Croke Park is no longer applicable post-2008.

It was also confirmed that use of no other GAA grounds for any rugby or soccer competitions would be considered.

No such application had been received from the respective governing bodies or are being contemplated by them, according to the GAA.

Disappointment was expressed by delegates that "no reciprocal gesture was being made to the GAA" and that Gaelic games were being excluded from the stadium being built in Tallaght, which is being financed by the Government in land provided by the local authority.

The FAI today welcomed the GAA's decision to allow the staging of the
Republic of Ireland home International matches at Croke Park in 2008

I suppose this is better then nothing.

Imposter

This looks like politics from the GAA to me. They want to make sure that Lansdowne actually gets redeveloped as well as getting a dig in over Tallaght. I can't say I blame them on either account.

Mushy

I thought 2008 was originally included in the plan. At least after that, the two of them have to become dependant on themselves. GAA have done whats been asked of them, nobody can complain. Whats all this melarki about Tallaght? That wouldnt make a difference to about 99% of GAA followers if its just about allowing GAA being played there. See the FAI trying to play the good-neighbour card there:D Come the end of 2008 they'll be back to begging Croker to be open for longer

K-9

Quot: It was also confirmed that use of no other GAA grounds for any rugby or soccer competitions would be considered.

No such application had been received from the respective governing bodies or are being contemplated by them, according to the GAA.

Disappointment was expressed by delegates that "no reciprocal gesture was being made to the GAA" and that Gaelic games were being excluded from the stadium being built in Tallaght, which is being financed by the Government in land provided by the local authority.

I suppose if Semple Stadium and the Gaelic Grounds aren't open for say Munster Rugby why should Tallaght. The new Lansdowne yes, because Croker was opened.

And as for Tallaght, what a joke. Eircom Park too! Can the FAI not finish anything they start! The GAA doesn't need Tallaght stadium and it certainly doedn't need the FAI's help.