Public won’t be informed of Croker discussions

THE GAA, IRFU and the FAI have moved to take the Croke Park debate off the agenda in a bid to conduct their delicate negotiations away from the public glare.

In a joint statement issued yesterday, the three bodies confirmed that discussions are now underway for rugby and soccer internationals to be played at Croke Park in 2007.

A number of meetings are understood to have been held to tease out the finer points of the deal, but sources say talks about the financial cost to the FAI and IRFU are only in the early stages.

In yesterday's terse statement, the three bodies said: "The GAA, IRFU, and the FAI have confirmed that following Central Council's decision on December 10, negotiations in regard to the use of Croke Park for internationals in 2007 are ongoing.

"They have stated that there will be no further comment until discussions reach a conclusion."

The GAA believes it has earned the right to carry out the discussions without having to keep the public informed of developments, particularly as the campaign to temporarily set aside Rule 42 precluding the playing of soccer and rugby in Croke Park was such a long and divisive affair.

Said one senior figure: "The GAA has always had this feeling that it was held to blame for the shortcomings of the FAI, in particular. The debate always seemed to be 'how come the GAA won't allow soccer into Croke Park?'

"It never seemed to be 'how come soccer have no pitch of their own?' Now, the whole debate is more or less over, but the GAA now wants to drive a good business deal for the association away from the public eye.

"It is a business decision now, and quiet negotiations without any of the emotive arguments of old will help all parties."

Yesterday's statement also reflects the growing relationship between the three bodies, and negotiations are currently proceeding amicably.