Croker deal nets GAA €7m bonanza

THE GAA will pocket over €7 million next year under the terms of yesterday’s historic deal with the FAI and IRFU for the use of Croke Park.

Agreement has been finalised on a €1.2m per game minimum rental payment for the five scheduled soccer and rugby matches in 2007. However, the GAA has built in additional payment clauses in the event of a sell-out, sources have confirmed.

With Lansdowne Road closed next year for redevelopment, the France rugby team will be the first to take to the field in front of around 80,000 fans in the 2007 Six Nations Championship on Sunday, February 11.