No room for rugby in MacHale Park just yet, says GAA

WELL, that idea deflated as quickly as a rugby ball hitting the blade of a samurai sword.

Almost as soon as our appetites had been whetted at the thought of one of Connacht Rugby's European Champions Cup games coming to Elverys MacHale Park in Castlebar, the GAA had moved to shoot down the idea.

According to Connaught GAA secretary John Prenty, there's nothing the organisation can do. The GAA, he has pointed out, have agreed to apply for GAA grounds to be used for the Rugby World Cup if and when it comes to Ireland, but the rule is for RWC games only and not club games.

“It is not an issue really,” he is quoted as saying. “I don’t think you’ll see the day where it’s a regular thing. It’ll be once-off situations like the World Cups because it will benefit the country nationally.”

Mr. Prenty did say that if Ireland makes a successful bid to stage the Rugby World Cup (possibly in 2023) then the GAA would fight 'tooth and nail' to get as many games as possible. “Financially it would be an advantage to the region,” he added.

After that, following on from the World Cup, the GAA chief envisages 'another move' being made which might allow for European club rugby to be played in GAA stadia.

Oh well, the idea was fun while it lasted. Back to the Sportsground, I guess.