GAELIC GAMES:The GAA have responded cautiously to news of the possible Heineken Cup semi-final meeting between the Irish provinces, reports Seán Moran.

Asked would Croke Park be available for the fixture, scheduled for May 2nd-3rd, association spokeswoman Lisa Clancy said: “We have not received any request at this moment in time. If and when we did, that request would have to be considered by Central Council.”

There appears, however, no basis for the view that the fixture would require a decision of Congress, as the relevant Rule 44 makes no distinction between international level and other matches, saying simply that, “Central Council shall have the power to authorise the use of Croke Park for games, other than those controlled by the Association, during a temporary period when Lansdowne Road Football Ground is closed for the proposed development”.

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for Saturday fortnight, February 14th, and assuming a request for the use of Croke Park is received by that date the matter will be considered then.