Ireland’s World Cup bid a threat to All-Ireland football final date

Ireland’s bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup may yet force the GAA to abandon its traditional slot for that year’s All-Ireland football final.

Dates for the global tournament have been confirmed by World Rugby, with the opening ceremony and first game down for September 15, two days before the third Sunday of the month when the football decider has traditionally been held.

The IRFU’s push to have the World Cup played on this island has now reached the final ‘candidate’ phase, but it is heavily dependent on the use of GAA grounds, north and south, eight of which were unveiled yesterday as potential venues, along with four rugby stadia.