GAA: No soccer or rugby in Croke Park beyond 2008

The GAA today agreed to allow soccer and rugby matches to be played at Croke Park in 2008, but rejected the possibility of hosting non-Gaelic games beyond that point.

It was agreed at a Central Council meeting in Croke Park that should the Lansdowne Road redevelopment project become unviable, the 2005 Congress decision on the use of Croke Park is no longer applicable post-2008.

It was also confirmed that use of no other GAA grounds for any rugby or soccer competitions would be considered.

No such application had been received from the respective governing bodies or are being contemplated by them, according to the GAA.

Disappointment was expressed by delegates that "no reciprocal gesture was being made to the GAA" and that Gaelic games were being excluded from the stadium being built in Tallaght, which is being financed by the Government in land provided by the local authority.

The FAI today welcomed the GAA's decision to allow the staging of the Republic of Ireland home International matches at Croke Park in 2008.

"The GAA have been extremely accommodating in granting permission for the playing of our matches in 2008," said FAI CEO Delaney.

"We’d like to thank Nickey Brennan, Liam Mulvihill, Danny Lynch and the GAA Central Council members for facilitating our request to stage our games at Croke Park in 2008 - the decision is very much appreciated," he added.

"Our focus now is on the upcoming matches against Wales and Slovakia as we continue the preparations with Peter McKenna and his team who have worked in great partnership with us in the build up to the March games," Delaney added.

Manager, Stephen Staunton, also welcomed the announcement, saying that he was delighted that the 2008 matches are also set to take place in Croke Park.

“It is a fantastic venue and I know that the players will relish the prospect of our games taking place in such a world class stadium,” he said.

“The March games are in everyone’s focus and the players are really looking forward to both games next month.”