GAA responds to Croke Park request

The GAA have reacted to the Government's fresh appeal for the use of Croke Park in Euro 2008 by stressing that any decision on…

The GAA have reacted to the Government's fresh appeal for the use of Croke Park in Euro 2008 by stressing that any decision on the stadium's availability can only be made at it's Annual General Congress.

It was revealed in the Dail yesterday that the Taoiseach wrote to GAA requesting the use of the showpiece stadium in the event of the joint bid between Scotland and Ireland to host the event being successful. The Minister for Sport, John O'Donoghue reiterated the Government's position, saying he believed it to be a "reasonable request".

However, the GAA today responded by saying that no decision can be reached before the next annual congress in April, effectively scuppering any hopes the Government had of a firm commitment before UEFA decide on the destination of the finals in December.