French connection may open up Croker

THE prospect of a World Cup tie against European champions France before a full-house at Croke Park is one that will galvanise the sports community in Ireland after yesterday’s dramatic draw in Frankfurt.

Playing at GAA headquarters can still only be an element of a wish-list for the FAI and the football community in Ireland but with substantial evidence of a swing towards the opening up of GAA headquarters, it is one that may well prove attainable.

The prospect of having to play France outside of Ireland in such a momentous match is one that does not bear thinking about after the Republic were handed a marvellous draw in Group Four of the qualifying tournament for the 2006 World Cup.