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Ireland World Cup Bid for 2023 or 2027 - GAA coming on board...

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Comments

  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 27,571 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    I know this is the rugby forum, but surely no-one in here is so clueless about soccer to believe that the commercial guys at Man Utd are going to go against the express wishes of Alex Ferguson on something like this? Not his decision, no, but if he comes out strongly against rugby, it ain't going to happen.

    The fact that Old Trafford is on the proposed list of venues is not news. If he has sufficient sway to stop games being played there then I fail to see how his input wouldn't have been sought long before now.

    As for the NFL, its only one game. At worst it puts Wembley out of action of one weekend only.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,234 ✭✭✭totallegend


    Podge_irl wrote: »
    The fact that Old Trafford is on the proposed list of venues is not news. If he has sufficient sway to stop games being played there then I fail to see how his input wouldn't have been sought long before now.

    As for the NFL, its only one game. At worst it puts Wembley out of action of one weekend only.

    Think the plan is for a minimum of two NFL games per season, but yeah, it's not insurmountable. Qualifying for UEFA 2016 will be in progress as well.

    Listen, I'm just posting what was reported by a fairly reputable sports paper. Thought it might have been of interest, apparently not. Announcement of final venues is due on Thursday so we'll see then.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,684 ✭✭✭JustinDee


    I know this is the rugby forum, but surely no-one in here is so clueless about soccer to believe that the commercial guys at Man Utd are going to go against the express wishes of Alex Ferguson on something like this? Not his decision, no, but if he comes out strongly against rugby, it ain't going to happen
    Thats your opinion of course. I just disagree. He doesn't run the commercial and marketing aspect of the club.
    Why do you think l'Equipe would feel the need to be blustering about this? What would they have to gain?
    Readership? Circulation? Web hit rates? Why does any outlet do it? Its a filler about the rugby union world cup in a media market crammed with a large number of pundits.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 27,571 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    Think the plan is for a minimum of two NFL games per season, but yeah, it's not insurmountable. Qualifying for UEFA 2016 will be in progress as well.

    Listen, I'm just posting what was reported by a fairly reputable sports paper. Thought it might have been of interest, apparently not. Announcement of final venues is due on Thursday so we'll see then.

    Yeah, the plan is for two if this year works out, but they were contemplating sending one of the two to Germany or Ireland so might do that in 2015. I imagine two games in Wembley during the tournament would certainly be problematic.

    I find it of interest, I just find it difficult to believe these problems would have arisen recently or out of the blue considering the time frame involved, that's all. If true its exceptionally confusing as to how it got this far in the first place.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,179 ✭✭✭✭PTH2009


    Statium Layout id put

    Grp A- Croke park could be used for the First game (Assuming Ireland are in that group), Aviva Stadium and RDS Dublin.

    Grp B- Thomond Park Limerick, Pearse Statium Galway, Pairc Ui Chomamh Cork

    Grp C- Ravenhill Belfast, Casement Park Belfast, Paric Esler Down

    Grp D- Nowlan Park Kilkenny, Aviva Statium Dublin, O Moore Park Portloaise

    Quater Finals- 2x Aviva Statium, 1x Ravenhill, 1x Thomond Park

    Semi Finals and Bronze Final- Croke Park

    Final- Croke Park


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Ireland would definitely be in the opening game.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,234 ✭✭✭totallegend


    Podge_irl wrote: »

    Yeah, the plan is for two if this year works out, but they were contemplating sending one of the two to Germany or Ireland so might do that in 2015. I imagine two games in Wembley during the tournament would certainly be problematic.

    I find it of interest, I just find it difficult to believe these problems would have arisen recently or out of the blue considering the time frame involved, that's all. If true its exceptionally confusing as to how it got this far in the first place.

    The whole thing is very confused. The Olympic Stadium was on the list despite the fact that it might be dismantled. Bristol soccer stadium was on the list but was dumped for the much smaller Sandy Park. The decision to choose the Walker Stadium over Welford Road was a pr disaster that would embarrass the tea lady.

    Nothing about the NFL or Alex Ferguson being a cranky b#llix is news, just the mention of a meeting at IRB offices in Dublin this week piqued my interest.

    With any luck, the NFL will tell Wembley to eff off and move their base to Dublin...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,196 ✭✭✭OldRio


    The Walker stadium over Welford Road is really odd.
    Something not right about that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    JustinDee wrote: »
    Thats your opinion of course. I just disagree. He doesn't run the commercial and marketing aspect of the club.

    I think I'm right in saying that Pep Guardiola vetoed a rugby match planned for the Camp Nou. Ferguson could probably do the same.

    Who in the commercial and marketing department would be brave enough to not let Ferguson have his way? :D


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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 27,571 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    I think I'm right in saying that Pep Guardiola vetoed a rugby match planned for the Camp Nou. Ferguson could probably do the same.

    Except he was probably asked his opinion and said no. I don't doubt their input weighs heavily but if the owners of the stadium want the X millions from hosting RWC games and have already agreed to it then it's a different matter entirely.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 27,571 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    Anyway, seeing as this us about Ireland, if they moved some games here and we put on a good show it would certainly help our bid. I imagine the RFU will do everything in their power to keep it in England though.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,234 ✭✭✭totallegend


    Motion to allow Central Council to allow GAA stadia to be used as part of a bid for RWC 2023 or 2027 is passed by GAA congress with a 93 - 7 majority!

    How times have changed, there doesn't even seem to have been a debate, just went straight to a vote.

    Interesting times ahead.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,770 ✭✭✭danthefan


    Motion to allow Central Council to allow GAA stadia to be used as part of a bid for RWC 2023 or 2027 is passed by GAA congress with a 93 - 7 majority!

    How times have changed, there doesn't even seem to have been a debate, just went straight to a vote.

    Interesting times ahead.

    They got buckets of free money from letting Croke Park be used, and money talks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Expected outcome, but great news nonetheless!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,368 ✭✭✭Prop Joe


    danthefan wrote: »
    They got buckets of free money from letting Croke Park be used, and money talks.

    Give a bit of credit due,The GAA have backed the IRFU in the bid,Why the cynicism?

    I personally think it would be a great boost for the economy and the country,It would be great to see the likes of the All Blacks based around Killarney for a few weeks etc..

    One shame is though you could see nearly all the European teams fly in and out for matches and there supporters,So we would bot get a whole pile from them but that is an issue that can't be helped.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 1,368 ✭✭✭Prop Joe


    How realistic is the bid for 2023, I assume Italy will be strong condenders as will Argentina but time zones might hurt them.South Africa are also rumoured to bid for it so where does that leave Ireland?


  • Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 18,239 Mod ✭✭✭✭CatFromHue


    Prop Joe wrote: »
    Give a bit of credit due,The GAA have backed the IRFU in the bid,Why the cynicism?

    The cynicism prob comes from the original deal to open Croker to Rugby and Soccer when a two thirds majority was needed for it to be allowed and the final vote was 227 in favour and 97 against i.e. it only passed by 11 votes which isn't very much now.


  • Administrators Posts: 54,256 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    Out of curiosity do we have any idea who the 7 represent?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,507 ✭✭✭✭Larbre34


    So what grounds are in the mix?

    Lansdowne Road - ready
    Thomond Park - ready
    Ravenhill - redev complete 2015
    RDS - redev due 2015/16

    Croke Park - ready
    Pairc Uí Chaoimh - redev planned
    Casement Park - redev designed
    Pearse Stadium - upgrading needed
    Semple Stadium - upgrading needed
    McHale Park - upgrading needed
    Fitzgerald Stadium - upg. needed
    Gaelic Grounds LK - upg. needed
    Nowlan Park - good standard for low capacity games.
    O'Moore Park - upg. needed

    6 of the above 10 GAA grounds proposed depending on bid structure


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 958 ✭✭✭funtime93


    Larbre34 wrote: »
    So what grounds are in the mix?

    Lansdowne Road - ready
    Thomond Park - ready
    Ravenhill - redev complete 2015
    RDS - redev due 2015/16

    Croke Park - ready
    Pairc Uí Chaoimh - redev planned
    Casement Park - redev designed
    Pearse Stadium - upgrading needed
    Semple Stadium - upgrading needed
    McHale Park - upgrading needed
    Fitzgerald Stadium - upg. needed
    Gaelic Grounds LK - upg. needed
    Nowlan Park - good standard for low capacity games.
    O'Moore Park - upg. needed

    6 of the above 10 GAA grounds proposed depending on bid structure
    How do Pearse Stadium and McHale Park need upgrading sure McHale only just completed a renovation and Pearse has hosted International rules before.Gaelic Grounds and and Fitzgerald are both in great nick aswell.Very few of these stadia need redevelopment.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 927 ✭✭✭AngeGal


    danthefan wrote: »
    They got buckets of free money from letting Croke Park be used, and money talks.

    It's not free money, it's rent. Rent which is reward for an incredible and unique achievement by an amateur sporting organisation in building such a stadium.


  • Registered Users Posts: 40 Dani Pacheco


    Fantastic News today that the GAA are on board. An important thing this will do in the bid is delocalise the potential grounds away from Dublin to places like Galway, Limerick, Thurles etc.
    Delighted ! :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,507 ✭✭✭✭Larbre34


    funtime93 wrote: »
    How do Pearse Stadium and McHale Park need upgrading sure McHale only just completed a renovation and Pearse has hosted International rules before.Gaelic Grounds and and Fitzgerald are both in great nick aswell.Very few of these stadia need redevelopment.

    Not to international standard they arent. They wont need to be rebuilt, but there will be additional covering and seating needed, accommodation needed on site for media and communications, corporate and hospitality, fanzones and entertainment, merchandising and sponsors setups. The regional grounds have very little of that in place


  • Registered Users Posts: 384 ✭✭vapor trails


    Most of the drive to host 2023 came from watching how New Zealand coped in 2011. I was at the that world cup and my overiding thought was if they could host it we definately could host it. Infrastructurally we are miles ahead. The south island has literally no motorways except for small bit around christchurch and dunedin. Barely 30km in total.

    The Ireland match versus Russia match in Rotorua was a sell out with around 25k in attendence. I was bang in the middle of the pitch beside the main camera tower. I wasn't seating, I wasn't even standing on a concrete terrace. It was a grass bank and it coped just fine.

    The one thing we would need to make sure the tournament would be a success would be a decent attendence at low profile fixtures. Average New Zealander much more into rugby than average Irish counterpart. How man people would turn up to Romania V Nambia on a rainy day in Mchale park ?

    You might be lucky to get 8-10k people. Large swaths of empty grey seating in 42k capacity stadium is not what you want.


    Instead of picking the 8 stadiums with the biggest capacity we'd be far better off picking an optimal capacity so that stadiums would look full.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 237 ✭✭tommy249


    danthefan wrote: »

    They got buckets of free money from letting Croke Park be used, and money talks.

    Damned if you do, damned if you don't!!!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,770 ✭✭✭danthefan


    Prop Joe wrote: »
    Give a bit of credit due,The GAA have backed the IRFU in the bid,Why the cynicism?

    I personally think it would be a great boost for the economy and the country,It would be great to see the likes of the All Blacks based around Killarney for a few weeks etc..

    One shame is though you could see nearly all the European teams fly in and out for matches and there supporters,So we would bot get a whole pile from them but that is an issue that can't be helped.

    I'm just thinking back to the controversy caused when it was opened in the first place.


  • Registered Users Posts: 11,301 ✭✭✭✭jm08


    danthefan wrote: »
    I'm just thinking back to the controversy caused when it was opened in the first place.

    Well, it was a big deal then. Hardly surprising that they were concerned about the knock-on effects it would have to the GAA in competition for players. The GAA also used the money well to develop GAA (Dublin got 30 Development Officers for instance & most club houses/grounds in the country were improved). Thats why the motion went through so easily this time and fair kudos to the IRFU as well for handling the situation really well - I doubt if the GAA would be so supportive if the FAI were the partners involved!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,346 ✭✭✭✭homerjay2005


    great news and would be class if we get it, the country needs something like this!

    Doubt the RDS would be involved, as having 3 stadiums in Dublin wouldnt make sense.

    what is the rule towards terracing in Rugby, as alot of the stadiums dont have alot of seating?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,599 ✭✭✭✭CIARAN_BOYLE


    great news and would be class if we get it, the country needs something like this!

    Doubt the RDS would be involved, as having 3 stadiums in Dublin wouldnt make sense.

    what is the rule towards terracing in Rugby, as alot of the stadiums dont have alot of seating?
    It would make sense to have a group whose matches are entirely in dublin and it wouldn't make sense to have the match between the 4th and 5th seed in a group (eg Russia vs Usa) in the Aviva.

    Terraces are allowed in Rugby.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,041 ✭✭✭Cosmo Kramer


    The Irish Independent lists the GAA grounds included as:

    Croke Park, Dublin (82,500)
    Semple Stadium, Thurles (53,500)
    Gaelic Grounds, Limerick (50,000)
    Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork (43,500)
    McHale Park in Castlebar (38,000)
    Pearse Stadium in Galway (34,000)
    Casement Park in Belfast (32,500)

    (but doesn't say that it is limited to these ones)

    In terms of infrastructure all of those are in cities other than Semple Stadium and McHale Park. However McHale's proximity to Westport and other tourist centres in the west would probably mean that it would have the infrastructure in terms of hotel beds etc. to host matches. Thurles seems like it might struggle to cope in that regard, but it is at least close to the M8 in terms of transportation. Nonetheless it seems like Killarney, despite a smaller capacity, might be a more suitable venue than Thurles.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 489 ✭✭petebricquette



    The one thing we would need to make sure the tournament would be a success would be a decent attendence at low profile fixtures. Average New Zealander much more into rugby than average Irish counterpart. How man people would turn up to Romania V Nambia on a rainy day in Mchale park ?

    You might be lucky to get 8-10k people. Large swaths of empty grey seating in 42k capacity stadium is not what you want.


    Instead of picking the 8 stadiums with the biggest capacity we'd be far better off picking an optimal capacity so that stadiums would look full.

    Good point about optimisation coming into the ultimate choice of stadia. On the bolded part though, I think you'd get pretty fantastic numbers. I mean, if it's a meaningless match for Ireland supporters but tickets are cheap I can see attendances generally being pretty good.

    I know my friends and I would definitely go to some of the less important matches just for the craic and out of sheer joy that the world cup is being held in Ireland. A constant stream of international rugby? Put it into my veins!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,909 ✭✭✭munchkin_utd


    The independent sometimes really is out of touch with reality, as if you look at the examiner today they have a more plausable list which tallies with where theres relatively plentiful accomodation in Ireland (and duely excludes Thurles)
    It is understood the IRFU have requested Croke Park, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Fitzgerald Stadium, the Gaelic Grounds, Pearse Stadium and Casement Park as possible venues, with GAA HQ earmarked as the potential World Cup final venue.

    Semple Stadium had not been included due to lack of hotel facilities but the IRFU’s Richardson would not speculate on which stadiums were under consideration while the feasibility study commissioned by the IRFU was being examined by Minister Varadkar’s department.

    The study also considers infrastructure, ticketing, travel and transport and projected visitor numbers, with a boost of at least €250 million to the Irish economy being estimated for a successful bid.
    http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/gaa-stadium-vote-will-give-impetus-to-world-cup-bid-226443.html

    The one thing I should point out is the negative effect that such an event has for the regular tourism trade as seen in London for the olympics where all the hysteria over the event puts off normal foreign guests from coming in the first place and anyone who does come focuses on the cities where the event is happening and arent interested in cultural attractions there or nearby.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,234 ✭✭✭totallegend


    The Irish Independent lists the GAA grounds included as:

    Croke Park, Dublin (82,500)
    Semple Stadium, Thurles (53,500)
    Gaelic Grounds, Limerick (50,000)
    Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork (43,500)
    McHale Park in Castlebar (38,000)
    Pearse Stadium in Galway (34,000)
    Casement Park in Belfast (32,500)

    (but doesn't say that it is limited to these ones)

    Suppose it's worthwhile just to point out that the GAA decision is to give Central Council the powers to allow grounds to be used, but does not specify any particular stadia.

    Croke Park, Pairc Ui Chaoimh and Pearse Stadium are the only definites at the moment I'd say; the really interesting part will be seeing how ambitious the organisers are in terms of ticket sales projections and required ground capacity, whether they'll be closer to England 2015 or New Zealand 2011. If the latter, then the need for large numbers of GAA stadia won't arise.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,760 ✭✭✭Theta


    Prop Joe wrote: »
    How realistic is the bid for 2023, I assume Italy will be strong condenders as will Argentina but time zones might hurt them.South Africa are also rumoured to bid for it so where does that leave Ireland?

    Think 2023 is to go NH isnt it? Normally the RWC alternates hemisphere each time. USA and Russia are the contenders for 2023 I hear.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,234 ✭✭✭totallegend


    Theta wrote: »
    Think 2023 is to go NH isnt it? Normally the RWC alternates hemisphere each time. USA and Russia are the contenders for 2023 I hear.

    This was in the Indo (I think) a couple of weeks ago, stating that because Japan is getting it in 2019, it would be the northern hemisphere's turn in 2023...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,071 ✭✭✭✭wp_rathead


    Is japan not in the NH though? :/


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,760 ✭✭✭Theta


    wprathead wrote: »
    Is japan not in the NH though? :/

    Technically it is but I suppose its a Tier 2 nation who's biggest rugby neighbour is SANZAR so it might as well be part of SH rugby.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,234 ✭✭✭totallegend


    wprathead wrote: »
    Is japan not in the NH though? :/
    1347951520286.jpg


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,601 ✭✭✭Mal-Adjusted


    wprathead wrote: »
    Is japan not in the NH though? :/

    Rugby geography is generally a tricky thing, where you have
    Northern hemisphere which generally means Europe,
    Southern Hemisphere which means SANZAR + Argentina
    and Pacific Nations which usually means the three Pacific Island nations + japan (though that might now include USA and Canada with their inclusion into the PNC)

    ...it's all fun!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 5,935 ✭✭✭jacothelad


    The independent sometimes really is out of touch with reality, as if you look at the examiner today they have a more plausable list which tallies with where theres relatively plentiful accomodation in Ireland (and duely excludes Thurles)


    http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/gaa-stadium-vote-will-give-impetus-to-world-cup-bid-226443.html

    The one thing I should point out is the negative effect that such an event has for the regular tourism trade as seen in London for the olympics where all the hysteria over the event puts off normal foreign guests from coming in the first place and anyone who does come focuses on the cities where the event is happening and arent interested in cultural attractions there or nearby.

    The Olympics were in the summer. The Olympics is known all around the world. Tourism in Ireland peaks in June, July and August. The RWC has limited appeal and will be in Sept / Oct. No clash at all.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,507 ✭✭✭✭Larbre34


    From Sean Moran article in today's Irish Times

    Ground capacities

    Aside from the 82,300-capacity CrokePark, the grounds involved and discussed by Central Council are: Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney (capacity 43,000), Páirc Uí­ Chaoimh in Cork (43,000), Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds (50,000), Pearse Stadium in Galway (30,000) and Casement Park in Belfast (32,000).

    In the coming years however both Páirc Uí­ Chaoimh and Casement Park are due to be redeveloped with the Cork venue’s capacity planned to rise to 50,000 and the Belfast venue due to increase its limit to 40,000


    Interesting that neither Semple Stadium nor McHale Park are on the agenda. Although I can understand Thurles is a poor option for accomodation and local infrastructure and I thought Enda would surely get Castlebar on the list

    Other than that however, the provinces are well covered which gives us (with redevelopments)

    Croke Park 82,300
    Lansdowne Road 52,000
    The Gaelic Grounds 50,000
    Páirc Uí Chaoimh 50,000
    Fitzgerald Stadium 43,000
    Casement Park 40,000
    Pearse Stadium 30,000
    Thomond Park 26,500
    RDS Arena 23,000
    Ravenhill 18,000

    Certainly a superior roster of venues than New Zealand 2011......


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,750 ✭✭✭iDave


    Larbre34 wrote: »
    Croke Park 82,300
    Lansdowne Road 52,000
    The Gaelic Grounds 50,000
    Páirc Uí Chaoimh 50,000
    Fitzgerald Stadium 43,000
    Casement Park 40,000
    Pearse Stadium 30,000
    Thomond Park 26,500
    RDS Arena 23,000
    Ravenhill 18,000

    Certainly a superior roster of venues than New Zealand 2011......

    Decent enough list, the new Casement is very pretty on the eye but Windsor Park could be thrown in too, the football dimensions might suit better too.
    Gaelic Grounds, Pearse and Fitzgerald may have decent capacities but I would of thought they are still well off any international standard. One covered stand and mostly uncovered terracing on the other sides (ok GG has uncovered seating too). Better than NZs grass banks but poor compared to Englands offering of Olympic Park, Old Trafford, St James etc


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 27,571 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    NZ were only using that grass banks stadium cause of the earthquake in CC I think. That said I would have struggled to concentrate on the game in that stadium as the view was so stunning.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,234 ✭✭✭totallegend


    JustinDee wrote: »

    Why do you think l'Equipe would feel the need to be blustering about this? What would they have to gain?


    Readership? Circulation? Web hit rates? Why does any outlet do it? Its a filler about the rugby union world cup in a media market crammed with a large number of pundits.

    Ahem.

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2013/apr/02/manchester-united-snub-rugby-world-cup

    Are you man enough to admit you were wrong?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,599 ✭✭✭✭CIARAN_BOYLE



    With them looking at replacing Old Trafford with Etihad it is a major geographical adjustment. No stadiums in the north west now


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    With them looking at replacing Old Trafford with Etihad it is a major geographical adjustment. No stadiums in the north west now

    The Etihad is in Manchester isn't it?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,954 ✭✭✭LeeroyJones


    The Etihad is in Manchester isn't it?

    Yep, the blue side


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,599 ✭✭✭✭CIARAN_BOYLE


    The Etihad is in Manchester isn't it?

    oops mixed up my ethihad and my emirates never mind no geographical issues


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 74 ✭✭crc


    TBH I think that Etihad will be better for rugby than OT. Any time I've seen Union / League at OT the pitch looks very cramped, with a very shallow in-goal area.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,631 ✭✭✭Swiwi


    Larbre34 wrote: »
    From Sean Moran article in today's Irish Times

    Ground capacities

    Aside from the 82,300-capacity CrokePark, the grounds involved and discussed by Central Council are: Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney (capacity 43,000), Páirc Uí­ Chaoimh in Cork (43,000), Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds (50,000), Pearse Stadium in Galway (30,000) and Casement Park in Belfast (32,000).

    In the coming years however both Páirc Uí­ Chaoimh and Casement Park are due to be redeveloped with the Cork venue’s capacity planned to rise to 50,000 and the Belfast venue due to increase its limit to 40,000


    Interesting that neither Semple Stadium nor McHale Park are on the agenda. Although I can understand Thurles is a poor option for accomodation and local infrastructure and I thought Enda would surely get Castlebar on the list

    Other than that however, the provinces are well covered which gives us (with redevelopments)

    Croke Park 82,300
    Lansdowne Road 52,000
    The Gaelic Grounds 50,000
    Páirc Uí Chaoimh 50,000
    Fitzgerald Stadium 43,000
    Casement Park 40,000
    Pearse Stadium 30,000
    Thomond Park 26,500
    RDS Arena 23,000
    Ravenhill 18,000

    Certainly a superior roster of venues than New Zealand 2011......

    It's more what the crowd does, then the venues themselves. The way the small towns chose a side like Georgia or Namibia etc and supported them to the hilt helped to make the 2011 tournament a success. I wasn't in NZ so I can't really comment further, but I reckon if Irish towns or schools did a similar "adopt a country" approach it would be good.


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