No Croker approach yet for H-Cup

The ERC have not yet approached the GAA about the possibility of using Croke Park for a potential Leinster v Munster Heineken Cup semi-final in April.

Stadium and commercial director Peter McKenna confirmed there has been no contact about accommodating the game in the event the provinces win their respective quarter-finals against Toulon and Toulouse.

As Croke Park hosts the four divisional football finals on Saturday and Sunday April 26 and 27, it is likely only the Friday evening option would be entertained by the GAA. McKenna did not speculate on that, only to confirm the rule in the Official Guide should an approach be made: “There is a mechanism in place should the ERC make a request. It would then be put before Central Council for direction.”

McKenna revealed the new round of GAA media rights were officially put out to tender on Friday. This year’s Championship games have already been selected for live screening with the Munster Council last week revealing live coverage of their senior competitions this year had decreased by one game from 2013. “Games would have been designated for live coverage regardless,” said McKenna. “Really, we have until May to conclude the process, but we hope to do so in a few months.”

Media rights remain at the forefront of the GAA’s considerations. In his annual report last week, GAA director general Páraic Duffy wrote: “Shifts in viewing preferences and behaviour, which our commercial department exploited in the form of ‘GAA Just Play’ highlights app in 2013, present an opportunity to increase Gaelic games exposure and accessibility at home and abroad. The research we have conducted have focused on how the GAA, from May 2014, can provide greater availability of live games across a range of devices to members and supporters abroad.”

McKenna added a third Garth Brooks date at Croke Park next July is under consideration. Tickets for the July 25 and 26 concerts go on sale tomorrow.