FAI feels the sting of Brooks cleanout

Garth Brooks’ grip on Ireland’s disposable income led the FAI to abandon plans for a second home summer friendly.

Chief executive John Delaney says the FAI is seeking to stage the May 31 game against Italy on neutral turf because the US singer has “cleaned the country out”. Five sold-out comeback concerts in Croke Park for July by Brooks have racked up 400,000 ticket sales.

That return is music to the ears of the GAA but not their football counterparts across the city. Bar Euro 2012, Lansdowne Road has hosted a double-header of internationals in May and June for the past three years. But this time, the FAI’s only end-of-season home fixture will be against Turkey on May 25.