GAA to consider Ahern's request -- next spring

THE Government's request to the GAA for the use of Croke Park for the 2008 European Soccer championships will not be debated at this weekend's GAA Special Congress.

This was confirmed last evening by GAA PRO Danny Lynch after he issued a short statement outlining a brief discussion on the matter at an earlier meeting of the Central Council.

The statement pointed out the Government's formal request for use of the stadium "was brought to the Central Council, where it was discussed". It added the request was a matter that "could only be considered" at annual Congress" in the spring.