With the 2007 Six Nations clash with France and possibly other matches in subsequent years requiring lighting the GAA installed floodlights in the stadium (after getting planning permission). Indeed many other GAA grounds around the country have started to erect floodlights as the organisation starts to hold games in the evenings, whereas traditionally major matches were played almost exclusively on Sunday afternoons. The first game to be played under these lights at Croke Park was a National Football League Division One match between Dublin and Tyrone on 3 February 2007 with Tyrone winning in front of a capacity crowd of over 81,000 - which remains a record attendance for a National League game.^[4] with Ireland's Six Nations match with France following on 11 February.^[5] Temporary floodlights were installed for the American Bowl game between the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers on the pitch during the 1990s, and again for the 2003 Special Olympics.

[

Controversy on playing non-Gaelic games

Further information: List of non-Gaelic games played in Croke Park

There is great debate in Ireland regarding the use of Croke Park for sports other than those of the GAA. As the GAA was founded as a nationalist organisation to maintain and promote indigenous Irish sport, it has felt honour-bound throughout its history to oppose other, foreign sports.

Up until the early 1970s, rule 27 of the GAA constitution stated that a member of the GAA could be banned from playing its games if found to be also playing soccer, rugby or cricket. That rule was abolished but rule 42 still prohibited the use of GAA property for games with interests in conflict with the interests of the GAA. The belief was that rugby and soccer were in competition with football and hurling, and that if the GAA allowed these sports to use their ground it may be harmful to Gaelic games, while other sports, not seen as direct competitors with gaelic football and hurling, were permitted, such as the two games of American football (one college game between Notre Dame and Navy, and an American Bowl NFL preseason game between the Chicago Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers) on the Croke Park pitch during the 1990s.

On 16 April 2005, a motion to temporarily relax rule #42 was passed at the GAA Annual Congress. The motion gives the GAA Central Council the power to authorise the renting or leasing of Croke Park for events other than those controlled by the Association, during a period when Lansdowne Road – the venue for international soccer and rugby matches – is closed for redevelopment. The final result was 227 in favour of the motion to 97 against, 11 votes more than the required two-thirds majority.

In January 2006, it was announced that the GAA had reached agreement with the FAI and IRFU to stage two Six Nations games and four soccer internationals at Croke Park in 2007 and in February 2007, use of the pitch by the FAI and the IRFU in 2008 was also agreed.^[6] These agreements were within the temporary relaxation terms, as Lansdowne Road will still be under redevelopment until early 2009. Although the GAA said that hosted use of Croke Park would not extend beyond 2008, irrespective of the redevelopment progress ^[7] , the official fixture list^[8] for the 2009 Six Nations rugby tournament anticipates the Irish rugby team using Croke park for a third season. 11 February 2007 saw the first Rugby Union international to be played there. Ireland were leading France in a Six Nations clash, but lost 17-20 after conceding a last minute (converted) try.

A second match between Ireland and England on 24 February 2007 was politically symbolic because of the events of Bloody Sunday in 1920. ^[9]. There was considerable concern as to what reaction there would be to the singing of the British National Anthem God Save the Queen. Ultimately the anthem was sung without interruption or incident, and applauded by both sets of supporters at the match, which Ireland won by 43-13 (their largest ever win over England in rugby).

On the 24 March 2007 the first soccer match took place at Croke Park. The Republic of Ireland took on Wales in a Euro 2008 Qualifier, in which a Stephen Ireland goal secured a 1-0 win for the Irish in front of a crowd of 72,500. Prior to this, the IFA Cup had been played at the then Jones' Road in 1901, but this was 12 years before the GAA took ownership.

[

Concerts

Many concerts have taken place in Croke Park, featuring artists such as Bon Jovi, U2, R.E.M. (supporting U2 in 1985), Billy Joel, Tina Turner, Garth Brooks and The Police. For the months of May and June of 2008, the stadium will be host to Celine Dion, Westlife, Neil Diamond and Prince.^[10].

Rugby pitch laid out on the larger Gaelic football pitch

Hogan Stand

2003 Special Olympics Opening Ceremony

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See also

• List of GAA Stadiums by Capacity
• Australian rules football
• Camogie
• International Rules
• Gaelic football
• Hurling
• Handball
• Sport in Ireland
• Stadiums of Ireland

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References

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External links

• Official Webpage
• Unofficial Webpage
• GAA Webpage - Croke Park
• sportsvenue-technology.com Webpage
• Google Satellite view of Croke Park
• Croke Park Undersoil Heating

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v • d • e Gaelic Athletic Association stadia Capacity 25,000 + Breffni Park • Casement Park • Croke Park • Cusack Park • Dr. Hyde Park • FitzGerald Stadium • Gaelic Grounds • Healy Park • McHale Park • Nowlan Park • O'Moore Park • Pearse Stadium • Páirc Uí Chaoimh • Semple Stadium • St. Jarlath's Park • St. Tiernach's Park • Wexford Park Lists List of GAA stadia

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Coordinates: 53°21′38.70″N, 6°15′4.80″W

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