GAA ‘has to consider’ Croke Park consequence

THE PR fall-out for the GAA from a refusal to open up Croke Park for rugby and soccer while Lansdowne Road is under reconstruction would have to be taken into account “as part of any decision-making process”, presidential candidate Nicky Brennan has insisted.

Brennan was speaking in the wake of claims in an internal Croke Park report that there would be "a negative reaction" to such a move by GAA chiefs, and comes after Munster chairman Sean Fogarty said it would be a "PR disaster" for the Association to see Irish fans going overseas for 'home' soccer and rugby international matches.

Mr Brennan said the "negative, old-fashioned" charge would be a challenge for the GAA.