Pearse Stadium to host opening International Rules Test

THE decision to stage the first of the Coca Cola International Rules Tests at Pearse Stadium in Salthill in October has been welcomed by the GAA in Galway.

The 34,000 capacity venue, which was redeveloped four years ago at a cost of €12 million, has a large debt still hanging over it so yesterday’s announcement is seen as a major boost.

The first Test will take place at Pearse Stadium on the weekend of October 28/29, with the second fixed for Croke Park the following weekend. It is hoped both games will be played under lights.

Floodlights have yet to be installed in either ground but Croke Park Stadium Director Peter McKenna aims to have them operational for the visit of the Australians.

No Compromise Rules Test has been played outside Croke Park since the very first series of games was held in 1984. On that occasion, Pairc Uí Chaoimh hosted one of the three games.

Cork, was one of a number of venues mooted when the prospect of taking the Rules game out of Dublin re-emerged two years ago, as was Thurles, Galway, Limerick, Casement Park in Belfast and Pearse Stadium.

The chairman of Galway County Board, Frank Burke said he was thrilled with the announcement and that the event would not just be a boost Pearse Stadium, but for Salthill and Galway city as well.

“We have been looking for more games for Pearse Stadium but we were not aware the International Rules match was in the pipeline. It is tremendous news and a great boost. It is an endorsement of the quality of the venue and it is a great achievement that it is has been chosen.

“I think it is a good move to take one of the Tests out of Croke Park, so obviously we are delighted we were the ones chosen from all the others,” said Burke.

Pearse Stadium, which opened its gates for the first time in 1957, was reopened in the summer of 2002 after the redevelopment project, but an absence of big games has seen the venue remain heavily in debt.