Decision a triumph for diversity

THE decision on Saturday to empower Central Council to make Croke Park available to rugby and soccer signalled a truly momentous day for anyone with even a passing interest in sport in this country.

As a sportsman, I am thrilled that democracy has taken its course and after healthy debate, the views of the majority of GAA people in this country have been taken on board.

The last ten years has seen a major shift in the diversity of people following all sports in this country. Nowhere has the crossover been greater than with rugby and Gaelic games.

I have been immersed in football and hurling all my life and rarely miss the opportunity of following my native county. Over the past number of years, I have witnessed a broadening in the support base for Cork at inter-county level. Likewise, the advent of professional rugby and the heroics of the Munster team have attracted a broader support base. The numbers who now follow both codes has increased dramatically.

While Central Council has now been empowered to make Croke Park available to the IRFU, it is unlikely to face any request until the 2007 Six Nations Championship at the earliest. With the complex nature of the planning process currently being addressed, it may be some time before the wrecking ball descends on Lansdowne Road.

Ironically, the 2007 championship would see both France and England visit Dublin. The fact that England could well be Ireland’s first international rugby opponents is bound to stir the emotions, particularly as the events of Bloody Sunday played such a significant role in many people’s objections to opening up Croke Park.

I am delighted the magnificent facilities the GAA has developed can now be showcased around the world. I have been fortunate to visit many of the top stadia worldwide and Croke Park is a match for the very best.

I am glad to say that I have few regrets in respect of my sporting career. However, when the first Irish team emerges from the tunnel to take the field at GAA headquarters, I am sure there will be part of me that would have given anything to be on that side. Ditto Keith Wood and many others.

While the mechanics have now been put in place to facilitate this historic event, the likelihood of it ever happening will rest with the number-crunchers in assessing the cost to both the FAI and the IRFU.

As a contingency (had Saturday’s vote gone the other way), the IRFU have explored the cost of exporting their home games to both Twickenham and the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Given the perilous financial state of rugby in this country, the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road cannot happen quickly enough. The increase in revenues generated from the expanded attendances is badly needed. Whether an Irish rugby team ever does appear in Croke Park will now come down to finances and the cost to lease the stadium per game.

The GAA have done their part - now money will dictate.