GAA give green light to Croker Heineken Cup semi

GAA officials have this afternoon overwhelmingly given their backing to the use of Croke Park for a Heineken Cup semi-final, following a meeting of the GAA's Central Council at Hayes Hotel in Thurles.

The IRFU's application to host a potential semi-final, should Munster win their quarter-final tie against Welsh side Ospreys in April, was discussed in length at the meeting and was met with little opposition.

No vote was required and a decision was taken to allow Croke Park to be used should Tony McGahan's charges emerge victorious from their quarter-final.

Six speakers spoke on the motion, with the majority of those in favour of allowing the game take place at GAA headquarters, including incoming GAA President Christy Cooney.

Cooney stated that the decision was in accordance with Rule 4 of the GAA's Official Guide.

The semi-final has the potential to be an all-Irish affair.

Should Munster beat the Ospreys and Leinster overcome Harlequins in their quarter-final clash in London, the Irish provinces will meet in the competition's last-four.