Harte: opening Croker to foreign games has been a success

TYRONE manager Mickey Harte has declared the opening of Croke Park to soccer and rugby a huge success, despite having voiced his opposition to the move when the restrictions were first being lifted.

The temporary arrangement will come to an end after the forthcoming Six Nations tournament in which GAA headquarters will play host to Italy’s visit tomorrow as well as that of Wales and Scotland.

“I think it has worked well,’’ Harte conceded. “Despite the strongly held reservations by some, which they’re entitled to have, ultimately it worked well. It raised the profile of the GAA on a world stage, which I like. It gave people a chance to understand that this stadium is here and who owns it and who runs it. Most of all, perhaps, it has given the opportunity for club players to play in Croke Park, which they weren’t getting before this happened.