The GAA headquarters is now open for all sorts of business but for the All-Ireland hurling and football finals the ground is a player too
In Tim Carey’s beautiful book ‘Croke Park – A History’, Páidí Ó Sé tells a story about the first time he set foot on the hallowed turf. He travelled to the 1972 All-Ireland final with Pat Spillane, both of them boarders in St Brendan’s College in Killarney. Instead of returning home as planned that night, though, they found accommodation near Jones’ Road and went on the town.
Former Tipperary hurling manager Babs Keating admitted it was impossible to play “against the crowd” at Croke Park in the last 10 minutes of an All-Ireland final. Photograph: Alan Betson/Inpho The Leinster football championship is in a dishevelled state and playing those games in Croke Park felt like slapping lipstick on a pig.
The argument in those cases is that it is about the players, not the crowds. Croke Park is still a dream destination. The All-Ireland junior and intermediate club finals are an early season fixture on Croke Park’s schedule now and on those days the crowds are tiny and the atmosphere is feverish. Those finals would feel much less significant if they were played somewhere else. The vast majority of those players would have no other chance to play in Croke Park. It is a boast for life.
Football-Championship Cork-Gaa Kerry-Gaa Bruce-Springsteen Garth-Brooks Croke-Park
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ireland weather: Croke Park forecast for All-Ireland Hurling Final Clare vs CorkFans will undoubtedly be hoping that the weather doesn't dampen the spirits or the play of these two formidable teams as they vie for the All-Ireland title in Croke Park
Read more »
All-Ireland quarter-finals ticket information for Croke Park double headersMonday's draw produced four fascinating ties
Read more »
Roy Keane spotted in Croke Park cheering on Cork in All-Ireland Hurling finalProud Corkman Keane managed to grab a ticket for today's game.
Read more »
All-Ireland Hurling final live stream as Cork take on Clare in Croke ParkIn one of the most eagerly anticipated finals in recent years, Cork take on Clare this afternoon in Croke Park.
Read more »
Armagh into All-Ireland final after proving doubters wrong at Croke ParkTrailing by five points with 24 minutes to go, they refused to give up. Significantly the men who began their revival, Rian O’Neill and Conor Turbitt, ended up as their leading scorers
Read more »
Limerick and Cork’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final set for sold out Croke ParkOnly tickets for Hill 16 or the Nally Terrace remain available to the public with a capacity crowd of 82,300 expected
Read more »