All Blacks and Beckham to play in Croke Park

The Real Laoislad · July 22, 2007, 02:03:53 PM

According to todays newspapers the Gaa have given the green light to the FAI/IRFU to play friendly matches in Croke Park
The FAI have penciled in a match against the auld enemy England while the IRFU have already confirmed that New Zealand are to play in Croke Park in November

The Real Laoislad · July 22, 2007, 02:21:31 PM

Landmark decision opens Croke Park to All Blacks

SEÁN RYAN Sunday Independent

THE All Blacks, currently ranked Number One in world rugby, will play in Croke Park in November 2008, following a decision of the GAA's Central Council at its meeting yesterday.

The Central Council announced that it had "provisionally approved an application from the FAI and IRFU respectively to play two friendly/ranking games each in Croke Park in 2008. The Central Council's decision is contingent on agreement being reached with the respective governing bodies on terms and dates."

Prior to this decision, only competitive games were covered by the historic decision of Congress to allow rugby and soccer games in Croke Park. Competitive games already approved for 2008 are the Six Nations rugby dates of February 2, February 23 and March 8, while World Cup soccer games are listed for October 11 and 15.

The IRFU has an agreement to play New Zealand, Argentina and the USA in November 2008, and following yesterday's momentous decision, the New Zealand and Argentina games will be played in Croke Park, with the USA game going, most likely, to Thomond Park, which should be re-vamped by then to a 26,000 capacity stadium.

The FAI are not as advanced in their planning, as soccer friendlies are contingent on which teams are available following the Euro 2008 group games, which conclude in November.

The only statement the FAI issued yesterday was: "Friendly matches count towards our FIFA ranking, so the opportunity to have two additional home games in 2008 in Croke Park is very welcome."

Both games will be pencilled in on the international dates in mid-February and the end of March, and the obvious targets for the FAI are World Cup holders Italy and Copa America winners Brazil, both teams which would attract capacity crowds to Croke Park.

With all four friendly games scheduled for dates outside the main GAA season, there is unlikely to be any objection to them on that basis. The negotiation of terms is another matter, as each governing body will be anxious to maximise their take from these four lucrative fixtures.

This decision of the Central Council offers the very real possibility of the World Cup holders of soccer and rugby parading their talents in Croke Park next year, as New Zealand are favourites for the RWC in France in September, while soccer's World Cup winners Italy are sure to be on the FAI's wanted list.

Among other decisions taken by Central Council concerned the University of Limerick, who will be required to pay the costs of the recent court action taken by them against CLG and that those costs would not be underwritten by Central Council.

A presentation on the playing of Club Fixtures and a better deal for club players was made by Pauric Duffy, Player Welfare Manager. He stated that it is intended that presentations based on his views on the subject will be made to the CCCC and the Provincial Councils in the next few weeks and that counties and clubs will be given the opportunity to discuss the points raised. Counties and Provinces will be asked to submit their views and proposals by August 24 for consideration by the Management Committee.

One of the many proposals are that two defeats in the hurling and football championships would mean automatic elimination. The abolition of the inter-county junior and intermediate championships is also recommended and it is suggested that the release of intercounty players for club games be legislated for and that a limit be placed on the number of training sessions for inter-county squads per year.

It was agreed to increase the grants for the Nicky Rackard, Christy Ring and Tommy Murphy Cup winners.

It was also agreed that Pauric Duffy, the Player Welfare Officer, will assume the added responsibility of National Children's Officer.

Fast food mobile units are to be banned from inside GAA grounds on the basis of Health and Safety.

A presentation on a proposed master fixture plan for 2008 was made by Jimmy Dunne, Chairman of the CCCC. It was agreed that this would be further refined and considered by Central Council at its August meeting.

A unanimous vote of gratitude to Ard Stiúrthóir Liam Mulvihill was passed for his service to Ard Comhairle both as a delegate and Director General for over 35 years. This was passed in the context of the recent announcement of his intention to retire as Director General.

A vote of sympathy to James McGarry and his family was passed on the tragic death of James's wife Vanessa in a road accident last Thursday.

Tyrone Dreamer · July 22, 2007, 02:42:05 PM

What next? Those opposed to opening croke were told it was being opened for essential matches only. This suggests that croke might always be used for soccer and rugby as lies were obviously told initially. These games are giving are competitors huge coverage and millions of pounds to challenge the gaa.

darbyo · July 22, 2007, 03:00:06 PM

In fairness they'd get the same coverage regardless of where the games were played and this way the GAA also makes money from events that it otherwise wouldn't. The fact that the redevelopment of Lansdown rd. is up and running reassures me and I think we should milk the situation for all it's worth while we can. When LR is back up and running we can go our seperate ways a richer organisation both in economic and 'goodwill' terms.

dublinfella · July 22, 2007, 04:34:34 PM

Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on July 22, 2007, 02:42:05 PM
What next? Those opposed to opening croke were told it was being opened for essential matches only. This suggests that croke might always be used for soccer and rugby as lies were obviously told initially. These games are giving are competitors huge coverage and millions of pounds to challenge the gaa.

so they are rebuilding LR with no intention of using it? Get real. This was always on the cards. The GAA make more money from these games than the FAI/IRFU.

Quote from: darbyo on July 22, 2007, 03:00:06 PM
In fairness they'd get the same coverage regardless of where the games were played and this way the GAA also makes money from events that it otherwise wouldn't. The fact that the redevelopment of Lansdown rd. is up and running reassures me and I think we should milk the situation for all it's worth while we can. When LR is back up and running we can go our seperate ways a richer organisation both in economic and 'goodwill' terms.

Seemingly there is an announcement on Tallaght due this week that might strain that.... Watch this space!

Rossfan · July 22, 2007, 05:36:08 PM

The great GAA man - always in with a post whenever the Soccer topic is raised

dublinfella · July 22, 2007, 05:40:48 PM

Quote from: Rossfan on July 22, 2007, 05:36:08 PM
The great GAA man - always in with a post whenever the Soccer topic is raised

Mid Louth?

Thats a bit harsh

The Real Laoislad · July 22, 2007, 05:48:04 PM

Quote from: Rossfan on July 22, 2007, 05:36:08 PM
The great GAA man - always in with a post whenever the Soccer topic is raised

Is it against the law to like both soccer and Gaa???

Rossfan · July 22, 2007, 05:51:50 PM

Soccerfella never posts on any GAA topics except when the word soccer is mentioned

dublinfella · July 22, 2007, 05:57:03 PM

Quote from: Rossfan on July 22, 2007, 05:51:50 PM
Soccerfella never posts on any GAA topics except when the word soccer is mentioned

you should be on a stage. hilarious.

your right, i should post more about club games in nordie places i have never heard of.

its very sinister, 'outing' people as not being 'proper' GAA men.

Gnevin · July 22, 2007, 08:28:22 PM

One of the many proposals are that two defeats in the hurling and football championships would mean automatic elimination
What does that mean?

Rossfan · July 22, 2007, 08:43:05 PM

If they persist with the round robin groups of 4 for provincial losing teams it will lead to only one can go through from each group- unless the two big teams could engineer a draw. It would of course also lead to walkovers after a weaker team loses its first game in the group.
It seems people are upset that Cork could win the Hurling All Ireland having lost 2 games. Some pundits have been pontificating that this shouldnt happen which led to this proposal which obviously hasnt been thought through.
I think a lot of people want to go back to knock out Qualifiers in Hurling and this is the first shot in the campaign.

twotwocharlie · July 22, 2007, 08:47:02 PM

dublinfella what is the % breakdown then

deiseach · July 22, 2007, 08:48:51 PM

Quote from: dublinfella on July 22, 2007, 04:34:34 PM
so they are rebuilding LR with no intention of using it? Get real. This was always on the cards. The GAA make more money from these games than the FAI/IRFU.

I'd be interested to know how you came to this conclusion. And no "I was talking to some bloke in the FAI and he said . . ." stories, please. Some links would be nice.

dublinfella · July 22, 2007, 10:02:04 PM

Quote from: deiseach on July 22, 2007, 08:48:51 PM
Quote from: dublinfella on July 22, 2007, 04:34:34 PM
so they are rebuilding LR with no intention of using it? Get real. This was always on the cards. The GAA make more money from these games than the FAI/IRFU.

I'd be interested to know how you came to this conclusion. And no "I was talking to some bloke in the FAI and he said . . ." stories, please. Some links would be nice.

the GAA take €1.5m per game plus a percentage of the food, bar, programmes etc. The FAI/IRFU have to pay insurance, security, electricity for the floodlights etc. Its not hard to see the FAI comong out with less than the GAA when everything is paid for.