GAA could save Euro bid

Ireland's hopes of co-hosting the European Championships in 2008 could hinge on the actions of GAA management in the coming weeks according to Sports Minister John O'Donoghue.

The Minister believes that positive indications from the GAA hierarchy on the usage of Croke Park for Euro 2008, could sway UEFA to accept the joint Irish/Scottish bid at their decisive meeting on December 12.

The Minister, accepted that any such decision on the use of Croke Park by an outside sport must be ratified by Congress. However, he stressed that any form of positive reaction for the GAA could prove invaluable in landing the tournament.

"It is a matter for Congress to decide whether the facility at Croke Park is going to be made available for games during the European Championships in 2008 if the Scottish/Irish bid is successful.

"In that regard, it really would be very helpful if the GAA management would indicate that they were prepared to make a positive recommendation to Congress, it would be helpful if the GAA authorities were to do that," the Minister said while on an official visit to the National Aquatic Centre yesterday

"The Taoiseach has written to the GAA requesting them to make Croke Park available for the European Championships in 2008. I want to make it clear that we are not asking the GAA to open the ground for cricket, rugby or soccer or in general terms.

"All we're asking is that the facility be made available for the European Championships in 2008," the Minister added.

"This would be a major event for this country.

"I would be extremely pleased if the management of the GAA were to say at this point 'look, we are in a position to say we will make the recommendation to Congress. I think that will be enormously helpful in the context of UEFA' meeting on December 12 when UEFA is going to make a decision as to where the games are going to be played in 2008."