Historic move as Ulster final goes to Croker

GAA history will be made on July 11 when the Ulster SFC final will be held in Croke Park for the first time ever.

The Ulster Council GAC announced the unprecedented decision in the stadium yesterday, saying they wanted to accommodate the great number of people wishing to attend.

Armagh, who always bring a massive crowd to Croker, are already through having beaten Cavan last Sunday.

Armagh played both their possible opponents, Donegal and Tyrone, in Croke Park last summer. The All-Ireland semi-final between Armagh and Donegal attracted 76,500 while the final between Armagh and Tyrone attracted 79,000. It was felt Clones (capacity of 35,000) wouldn't be sufficient to accommodate the crowd.

"It was a tough decision we have consulted all the county boards. But, it was felt for the greater number of people and to implement a wider family ticket policy to offer greater numbers, we had to move the final to a bigger venue. And Croke Park is the main venue. It is still the place where everyone wants to play," said Micheal Greenan of the Ulster council.

Liam Mulvihill confirmed there is nothing stopping the Munster or Connacht Councils doing likewise.

"Croke Park is ... for the whole of the GAA. It doesn't belong to Dublin, it doesn't belong to Leinster, it doesn't belong to Croke Park Ltd. It is owned by the entire Association."

This is not the first time an Ulster final will be played outside the province. In 1939, the replayed final between Cavan and Armagh was played in Dundalk after neither side could agree on a venue after the drawn encounter in Casement. Cavan eventually won by two points.