The Irish Rugby Football Union and ERC, the Heineken Cup Organisers, both welcome the decision by the Gaelic Athletic Association Central Council to make Croke Park provisionally available as a potential semi final venue for this season's Heineken Cup.
The semi final draw could see a semi final played between Munster Rugby and Leinster Rugby or Munster Rugby and Harlequins on the weekend of 2/3 May 2009.
The IRFU and ERC will now begin preliminary discussions with Croke Park Stadium to plan for the hosting of a possible semi final in the competition which could see the 82,500 capacity stadium become the 85th venue for the Heineken Cup. Venues for the semi finals will be confirmed by the ERC following the Heineken Cup quarter finals to be played on the weekend of April 10/11/12.
Commenting on the decision, Philip Browne, IRFU Chief Executive said, "I would like to thank GAA President Nicky Brennan and the GAA Central Council for today's decision as it allows us to work towards confirming the venues for the semi finals of the Heineken Cup. The prospect of either Munster playing in the stadium or the possibility of another all Ireland semi final between Munster and Leinster is an exciting one for Irish Rugby fans."
Welcoming the decision by the GAA Central Council, Jean-Pierre Lux, ERC Chairman said, "On behalf of the Board of ERC, I would like to thank GAA President Nickey Brennan and the wider Association for making their magnificent stadium available to the Heineken Cup for these potential semi-final fixtures. Should a semi-final in Ireland arise, Croke Park would certainly serve as a fantastic backdrop for this showpiece European semi-final."
