Croke Park to host rugby and soccer events in 2007

Irish rugby and soccer international matches will be played for the first time at Croke Park, the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association, in 2007, it was confirmed today.

The GAA, the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Football Association of Ireland announced the agreement in a joint statement this afternoon.

The traditional home of Irish soccer and rugby, Lansdowne Road, will be closed in 2007 for redevelopment and the English and French rugby teams will be among the first international sides to take to the field in front of around 80,000 fans as part of next year’s Six Nations Championship.

At least three soccer matches are also scheduled to be held at the north Dublin venue that year as part of the Republic of Ireland’s bid to qualify for the 2008 European Championships.

The agreement marks the end of years of national debate about the future of Ireland’s largest stadium and the fourth biggest in Europe.

The GAA’s ruling body set aside the organisation’s controversial Rule 42, which banned the use of its headquarters for foreign sports, last April following years of sometimes bitter internal and external debate.

This afternoon’s joint statement said discussions on the possible use of Croke Park have been ongoing over the last few weeks and would continue into the future in a bid to agree operational matters.

“Two rugby internationals in February and at least three soccer internationals in March, October and November are scheduled to take place in 2007,” it said.

“The situation post 2007 has not been discussed or considered and any future application will be reviewed in the context of the Lansdowne Road Development project in 2007.”

GAA President Sean Kelly said he was pleased that agreement had been reached between the respective sporting organisations.

He said the development was practical and necessary to ensure Irish sport and its fans did not have to travel abroad and the Irish economy will still benefit from home games while Lansdowne Road Stadium is being developed.

FAI Chief Executive John Delaney described the agreement as an historic day for soccer and sport in Ireland.

“We are delighted to have reached agreement with the GAA in a very positive, productive and businesslike manner,” he said.

“The prospect of the Irish International soccer team playing in Croke Park will appeal to everyone who has an interest in sport.”

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said the plan represented a significant milestone in Irish sporting history.

“It will be a major celebration for Irish sport and indeed for the general public in Ireland,” he said.

“The entire Rugby community looks forward to what will be magnificent sporting occasions at Croke Park.”

Philip Browne and John Delaney, on behalf of their respective organisations and supporters, thanked the entire GAA organisation and its management team for their open approach to facilitating the International commitments of the IRFU and the FAI.

The statement said the terms of the agreement would remain confidential to the respective parties but it is understood the GAA will benefit from more than €1m per game, plus a share of ticket receipts.

The agreement is a further boost to Irish sport following the unveiling of new Republic of Ireland soccer manager Steve Staunton yesterday.

Planning permission for the 50,000-seat Lansdowne Road development was lodged with Dublin City Council earlier this month and work is expected to commence before the end of 2006 subject to appeal.