GAA President Nickey Brennan has refused to rule out the playing of non-GAA sports at Croke Park after the opening of the redeveloped Lansdowne Road in 2010.
Brennan who was speaking today at TG4's launch of their new GAA 125th anniversary TV series, gave the strongest indication yet that international soccer and rugby may continue to feature at GAA headquarters.
"I understand from reading the papers today that there is a motion coming in from Clare," he said.
"As the person obviously sitting in the chair, who will have to steer such motions at Congress, I'm obviously not getting into any particular motions but I always expected that something like this would find its way on to the clár and let it be debated the same way as everything else at this stage.
"We are happy to see motions coming from whatever sources in the GAA and let people make their arguments on the floor of Congress."
Brennan also offered his enthusiasm to the existing arrangements with the FAI and IRFU.
"I don't want to prejudge it but it's fair to say that the arrangement has gone extremely well from a logistical as well as sporting point of view."
The Kilkenny man also spoke for the first time following the introduction of the GAA's experimental disciplinary rules which saw 85 yellow cards, no red cards and almost 180 black books issued during 24 senior inter-county games last weekend.
"I would have to complement, in fairness, the team managers and others for their measured approach at the weekend. I think people understood that it was an experiment and they were accepting that things might happen that couldn't have been foreseen," he said.
"January is clearly going to be the learning period and when it comes to the leagues, people should then be up to speed on what the new rules are all about."
However Brennan was not making excuses for those who are saying that there is an unfamiliarity with the new rules.
"This whole process is well over a year-and-a-half in gestation. We have spent a lot of time educating people and educating the media.
"If people don't know what is going on now, I don't think they can actually blame us for it."
The GAA President also failed to rule out the possibility of the new rules being filtered down to club games, should they be formally adopted for inter-county games at GAA Congress in April.
"That decision has yet to be made (in relation to clubs). I have a personal view on that, that I probably wouldn't like to see it coming in until the beginning of next year at club level," he added.
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Always thought this was going to be the case.. The ££££ were too good to resist.
Would the cost of the FAI/IRFU renting out Croke Park after Landsdowne is built be covered by the 30,000 or so extra tickets they would sell ???
If not I doubt they would want to play the game in Croke Park,sure there will be extra fans but if they aren't gonna make money out of having it there or if it ends up costing them money ie the rent is more than the extra revenue from the tickets why would they play it in Croke Park ???
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on January 07, 2009, 04:15:14 PM
Would the cost of the FAI/IRFU renting out Croke Park after Landsdowne is built be covered by the 30,000 or so extra tickets they would sell ???
If not I doubt they would want to play the game in Croke Park,sure there will be extra fans but if they aren't gonna make money out of having it there or if it ends up costing them money ie the rent is more than the extra revenue from the tickets why would they play it in Croke Park ???
Laoislad that may be true, but its not going to cost the gaa any extra to keep it open if the the FA1/IRFU wanted to use croke park. it would also allow uefa to maybe hold uefa cuo/champions league final in croke park or if ireland was to host/co host euro's it would mean that an extra stadium would be available.
so i would be in favour of keeping the stadium open!
Quote from: armagh leg-end on January 07, 2009, 04:20:51 PM
Quote from: The Real Laoislad on January 07, 2009, 04:15:14 PM
Would the cost of the FAI/IRFU renting out Croke Park after Landsdowne is built be covered by the 30,000 or so extra tickets they would sell ???
If not I doubt they would want to play the game in Croke Park,sure there will be extra fans but if they aren't gonna make money out of having it there or if it ends up costing them money ie the rent is more than the extra revenue from the tickets why would they play it in Croke Park ???
Laoislad that may be true, but its not going to cost the gaa any extra to keep it open if the the FA1/IRFU wanted to use croke park. it would also allow uefa to maybe hold uefa cuo/champions league final in croke park or if ireland was to host/co host euro's it would mean that an extra stadium would be available.
so i would be in favour of keeping the stadium open!
I'm not saying Im not in favour,I would be all in favour for it..
I just think that the FAI/IRFU might not want to play games there thats all..
The FAI/IRFU mightn't make much more money out of it but they would look bad if they're was a massive game, say a World Cup qualifier against one of the big teams or a chance or Ireland winning the 6 nations, which outstripped demand for the new Lansdowne considerably and they had didn't move it to croker if it was available.
Quote from: kevmy on January 07, 2009, 04:32:14 PM
The FAI/IRFU mightn't make much more money out of it but they would look bad if they're was a massive game, say a World Cup qualifier against one of the big teams or a chance or Ireland winning the 6 nations, which outstripped demand for the new Lansdowne considerably and they had didn't move it to croker if it was available.
I agree totally but it always comes down to money in the end
Close the doors.
So long as GAA fixtures are not being moved to accomodate concerts, soccer, rugby etc, it makes sense to keep it open. Plough the extra revenue into underage structures, facilities as well as keeping the stadium modernised etc
It's a decision for the GAA via Congress if a Motion appears on the clár.
However I too doubt if the FAI or the Buggers would move their games out of LR as they would not make any extra money while their own place wouldnt be earning anything.
By the way Tommy Kenoy in last week's Ros Herald said that the 2 most memorable events of his life were
1- Ros Minors All Ireland win in Ennis and
2 - The Ireland/England ploughing Rugby game in Croke Park. ...
I wont list his comments on item 2 as Orangeman/Mid Louth and a few others would likely die of a fit .. ;D
Just goes to show what a bunch of liers the open up croke park campaign supporters were. The people against it were shot down when they said that once the doors were open they wouldnt close again. The answer was this would never happen and they just wanted to ensure that the Irish sportsmen like Stephen Ireland and Kevin Kilbane didnt have to play abroad.
on average the gaa has received E1.35m per game played there. if ticket prices are E70 (x30k for rugby x20k soccer (all seating) your talking about additional revenue of between E1.4 (soccer)- E2.1(rugby). addition expenses wouldn't be huge and corporate seat holders in lansdowne would have to be accommodated in cp. the money is there if they want to do it at around E1m for soccer and E1.7 for rugby giving both the irfu and ifa e400k per game (they would need to make a few extra bob too)
Keep taking their money I say.
Especially given the current climate.
I predict there will be a drop-off in the rugby crowds to match the soccer if they do continue playing in Croke Park though.
Tickets are too dear.
Of course it should stay open - As a GAA man I was proud of our stadium and how far we had progressed while others had stagnated in times when money was never so plentiful. Even when the Rugby and Soccer boys build a stadium its nice to know that they'll still need help from the amateur organisation.
Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on January 07, 2009, 06:49:49 PM
Just goes to show what a bunch of liers the open up croke park campaign supporters were. The people against it were shot down when they said that once the doors were open they wouldnt close again. The answer was this would never happen and they just wanted to ensure that the Irish sportsmen like Stephen Ireland and Kevin Kilbane didnt have to play abroad.
Get over it move on .
Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on January 07, 2009, 06:49:49 PM
Just goes to show what a bunch of liers the open up croke park campaign supporters were. The people against it were shot down when they said that once the doors were open they wouldnt close again. The answer was this would never happen and they just wanted to ensure that the Irish sportsmen like Stephen Ireland and Kevin Kilbane didnt have to play abroad.
Yeah, each and every one of them is a despicable liar. ::)
Its a democratic organization: if the majority decide they want the door closed, that's what will happen, so what's the problem? If the boys from Clare want to raise an issue for discussion and vote, that's their right. People are allowed to modify their positions in the light of how the games went.
Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on January 07, 2009, 06:49:49 PM
Just goes to show what a bunch of liers the open up croke park campaign supporters were. The people against it were shot down when they said that once the doors were open they wouldnt close again. The answer was this would never happen and they just wanted to ensure that the Irish sportsmen like Stephen Ireland and Kevin Kilbane didnt have to play abroad.
ahh would you ever get a life. if it upsets you that much i'l vote for it to be closed if we're asked in the club as I have my tickets for LR sorted so would be more than happy not to watch rugby in Croker again!
I don't think the FAI or IRFU would ever use Croker when new Lansdowne is available.
However it would be nonsensical to revert to a no foreign games position.
If there are opportunities to rent it out to create additional funds, we should definitely take it. If the soccer lads make a World Cup or European championship playoff, then Croker would probably be used as these always clash with the Autumn rugby internationals. Perhaps it could also be used if a rugby world cup was played in these parts. Otherwise it would be very rare, but I think we'd be foolish not to keep our options open.
Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on January 07, 2009, 06:49:49 PM
Just goes to show what a bunch of liers the open up croke park campaign supporters were. The people against it were shot down when they said that once the doors were open they wouldnt close again. The answer was this would never happen and they just wanted to ensure that the Irish sportsmen like Stephen Ireland and Kevin Kilbane didnt have to play abroad.
I don't think they were liars, just short sighted.
Another strange one I heard was "the GAA should want to show the stadium off to the world".
That's like asking a child-
-Run upstairs and get my watch
-No
-I'll time you to see how long it takes
-OK
Quote from: Zapatista on January 08, 2009, 07:52:55 AM
Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on January 07, 2009, 06:49:49 PM
Just goes to show what a bunch of liers the open up croke park campaign supporters were. The people against it were shot down when they said that once the doors were open they wouldnt close again. The answer was this would never happen and they just wanted to ensure that the Irish sportsmen like Stephen Ireland and Kevin Kilbane didnt have to play abroad.
I don't think they were liars, just short sighted.
Utter nonsense. Again.
Quote from: Hound on January 08, 2009, 08:15:46 AM
Quote from: Zapatista on January 08, 2009, 07:52:55 AM
Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on January 07, 2009, 06:49:49 PM
Just goes to show what a bunch of liers the open up croke park campaign supporters were. The people against it were shot down when they said that once the doors were open they wouldnt close again. The answer was this would never happen and they just wanted to ensure that the Irish sportsmen like Stephen Ireland and Kevin Kilbane didnt have to play abroad.
I don't think they were liars, just short sighted.
Utter nonsense. Again.
How so? They did say it would only be for the duration of the redevelopment of LR. It now looks like it could go on forever. That was short sighted IMHO unless of course Tyrone Dreamer was right and it was a lie.
It can only "go on forever" (or, more reasonably, be extended) if democratically mandated. What's the problem?
Quote from: Hardy on January 08, 2009, 08:37:53 AM
It can only "go on forever" (or, more reasonably, be extended) if democratically mandated. What's the problem?
No problem Hardy. I just think it was short sighted to think the debate would end with the completion of LR.
Quote from: Rossfan on January 07, 2009, 06:22:23 PM
It's a decision for the GAA via Congress if a Motion appears on the clár.
However I too doubt if the FAI or the Buggers would move their games out of LR as they would not make any extra money while their own place wouldnt be earning anything.
By the way Tommy Kenoy in last week's Ros Herald said that the 2 most memorable events of his life were
1- Ros Minors All Ireland win in Ennis and
2 - The Ireland/England ploughing Rugby game in Croke Park. ...
I wont list his comments on item 2 as Orangeman/Mid Louth and a few others would likely die of a fit .. ;D
Tommy Kenoy must have a sad life.
The IFRU has ruled out rugby and soccer being played in Croke Park after the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road in 2010.
Takes the heat off the GAA anyway.
It'll be interesting to see what happens if a motion is passed to extend the arrangement and the IRFU still dig their heels in.
Quote from: ziggysego on January 10, 2009, 12:36:04 PM
The IFRU has ruled out rugby and soccer being played in Croke Park after the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road in 2010.
I dont think the IRFU has the authority to tell the soccer heads what to do!!
Don't shoot the messenger ;)
IRFU rules out further Croke deal
Irish RFU chief executive Philip Browne has ruled out any prospect of rugby and soccer internationals being played at Croke Park after 2010.
GAA President Nickey Brennan had hinted that non-GAA sports could be played at Croke Park after the opening of the redeveloped Lansdowne Road next year.
"Are we going to be moving matches to Croke Park? The answer is no," Browne told the Irish Times.
The current Croke Park deal is scheduled to conclude next year.
That arrangement allows the IRFU and the Football Association of Ireland to play internationals at Croke Park until the completion of the Lansdowne Road redevelopment.
The Lansdowne Road project is expected to be completed by April of next year.
"The reality is Lansdowne Road has been built on the premise that we will play our full fixture list there," added Browne.
Earlier this week, GAA president Brennan said that the arrangement with the IRFU and the FAI had "gone extremely well".
"That is from a logistical, as well as sporting point of view."
Brennan made the comments following the revelation that Clare GAA officials had called for Croke Park to be made open to other sports beyond 2010.
Clare have put forward a motion to that effect which is in line to be voted on at the GAA's annual Congress in April.
Sourced BBCi: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/7821904.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/7821904.stm)
fair dues
anyone who reads the question and answer article with brown in todays times (for some reason its not on the website) will see what hes at with his comments on contracts etc including the one with the gaa. hes says its not workable with those contracts ie he wants a better deal if they do use it. is anyone seriously saying if the irfu and fai were offered cp at 850k a match instead of the current 1.35m they have been paying they would not snap it for games that would sell-out?
Quote from: magickingdom on January 10, 2009, 08:20:46 PM
anyone who reads the question and answer article with brown in todays times (for some reason its not on the website) will see what hes at with his comments on contracts etc including the one with the gaa. hes says its not workable with those contracts ie he wants a better deal if they do use it. is anyone seriously saying if the irfu and fai were offered cp at 850k a match instead of the current 1.35m they have been paying they would not snap it for games that would sell-out?
I am not surprised by Brownas comments as he has to ensure that Landsdowne Road is finished and that his corporate Ticket holders are happy . It will be work interesting given the economic downturn how the Revenues from such corporate ticket (and indeed permium ticket sales ) will work out ?.
And will the Government come up with their 65% now that the public finances are gone to Hell?
Quote from: Rossfan on January 10, 2009, 10:11:59 PM
And will the Government come up with their 65% now that the public finances are gone to Hell?
I'm waiting to hear that Lansdowne Road development has been put on temporary hold until the economy picks up.
I'll call for the Ferry to ship the teams off ;)
Quote from: Rossfan on January 10, 2009, 10:11:59 PM
And will the Government come up with their 65% now that the public finances are gone to Hell?
Yes.
They have budgeted for it. It has been voted on in the Dail (I think).
The State are contracted. They have already put a a fair few bundles of cash on the table.
If at any time in the near future there is no money, they will just borrow by the wheelbarrow load.