THE GAA have had no contact from the IRFU on the subject of Ireland hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup. There has been speculation in recent weeks that a bid to host the tournament in 12 years could be launched on the basis of the venues available to the IRFU plus a number of others belonging to the GAA.
“There has been no approach made to us at all on this subject,” according to GAA director general Páraic Duffy. “Obviously Croke Park wouldn’t be a problem, as its use has been cleared by Central Council but the use of any other GAA grounds would require a change of rule.”
Whereas Croke Park is a sine qua non for any Irish bid, as the final would require that capacity (82,300), access to the other medium-sized grounds around the country wouldn’t be guaranteed.
The GAA’s annual congress voted in 2005 to open up Croke Park to rugby and soccer during the redevelopment of the old Lansdowne Road stadium and after the completion of the work, Central Council approved the availability of the stadium for further matches should it be required.
Although no decision on this issue should it arise would have to be made for another couple of years, it’s not certain the association would view the request favourably for two reasons.
Firstly, the promotional spin-off for the GAA would be limited compared to the massive benefit to what some will characterise as a competing sport – a benefit that won’t be possible without the GAA’s assistance.
Secondly, the opening of Croke Park nearly seven years ago was limited to that stadium for the very reason that any extension to other association venues would in the phrase “open the floodgates” and create pressure on clubs and county boards to make their grounds available in a wide variety of circumstances.
On a more positive note, in the years since with the precipitous decline in the country’s economic circumstances clubs and counties have become more aware of the commercial advantages – and in some cases, urgency – of leasing their facilities and that pragmatism may become more pronounced in years to come.
Meanwhile, yesterday’s draws for the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups were made in Croke Park.
Sigerson-holders UCC begin the defence of their title at home to GMIT, whereas their two predecessors, DCU and Cork IT, have been drawn together in the first round. The finals weekend will be staged at NUI Galway.
The Fitzgibbon Cup, celebrating its centenary in 2012, is organised on a group basis and holders UL have been drawn with local rivals LIT, who they defeated in last year’s final, and St Patrick’s/Mater Dei. UCC will host the centenary finals weekend.
