04/23/24
February 06, 2007
Welcome to Croker: What do they say about serious sport being war minus the shooting? Well, in Ireland for many years Croke Park has been the home of the GAA, with the foreign "garrison" games banned. This weekend, for the first time, rugby will be played, and two weeks later, perfidious Albion will get their chance to shine, although without royalty in the crowd. Some are happy with the change, others aren't done complaining
I heard about this yesterday somewhere else (maybe comments here?) Totally fascinating. The history wrapped up in 'just' a stadium- can't imagine that is beatable anywhere. Has gone from a place I'd never heard of to a place that is on my short list of 'world stadiums to attend sporting events in' in 24 hours.
posted by tieguy at 08:11 AM on February 06, 2007
Well the GAA do tours and all, if you're ever in Dublin you should check it out. it is well within walking distance of the city centre.
posted by Fence at 10:12 AM on February 06, 2007
I've been to Dublin twice on holiday in the last couple of years, but didn't even consider going on a tour of Croke Park, which is a bit disappointing. To be honest, and I'm sure a lot of Brits are the same, I'd never even heard of Croke Park before they announced that rugby and football will be played there. But it's a fascinating story, and when England go there for the rugby... well, it should be something worth watching.
posted by afx237vi at 10:33 AM on February 06, 2007
I didn't need any login for the Washington post link, but if you do bugmenot says to use gopgop@fish.com and fish.com as your username and password.