Croker chiefs plan to light up International Rules
Association president Sean Kelly revealed yesterday that the measure was one of the three remaining jigsaw pieces that will complete the widely acclaimed redevelopment of GAA headquarters.
Mr Kelly estimated that the cost of the floodlighting system would be €3 million, and with local authority permission, would be available next autumn.
Playing the 2006 International Rules series under lights would guarantee a huge day-time television audience in Australia, and generate a “fantastic atmosphere” here, Mr Kelly said at the official opening of the Jurys Croke Park Hotel yesterday.
“We have seen how floodlit occasions have enhanced GAA games around the country, but we would expect something rather special at a floodlit Croke Park,” said the GAA president.
He also announced the construction of a pedestrian plaza between the hotel and Croke Park, in the wake of being refused permission for a link-bridge between the two facilities.
He said it was important to have a definable link between the hotel and the stadium.
Additionally, Mr Kelly announced plans for a new state-of-the-art headquarters for handball close to Croke Park in Ballybough.
He said that the new facility would be a fitting edifice for the sport in this country, and would accommodate players and fans in equal comfort.
The floodlighting plan will also facilitate later kick-offs for the 2007 Rugby Six Nations Championship, if a deal can be reached between the IRFU and the GAA. Ireland’s first 2007 home game is against France in February, and is being earmarked as the ideal opportunity to ease ‘other’ sports into GAA headquarters under the terms of the historic decision taken at Congress last April.
Mr Kelly again dismissed speculation that rugby internationals would be played at Croke Park next year.
Ireland still plan to open up their Six Nations campaign against Italy at Lansdowne Road on February 4.
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