Croke Park to light up for Six Nations as approval is given

Croke Park will waste no time in beginning the installation of the stadium floodlights following yesterday's eagerly awaited planning approval by an An Bord Pleanála. Time had become a pressing issue for stadium officials as the planning process ran to several months, and work will begin next Monday to ensure the lights are fully operational for next spring's Six Nations rugby internationals and beyond.

An Bord Pleanála had been considering several objections from local residents, but on hearing yesterday's decision, GAA president Nickey Brennan expressed obvious satisfaction with the prospect of floodlighting, which, he said, "is considered the norm in stadiums all over Europe" and will "enhance Croke Park further as a world-class stadium".

"This is a very good day for Croke Park and the city of Dublin," he added. "I look forward to the first game under lights, which would be yet another milestone in the evolution of the stadium."

Brennan also praised Dublin City Council and An Bord Pleanála for their professionalism and understanding. And - citing the lack of problems with floodlit grounds throughout Europe - he said fears among some residents of intrusiveness would prove unfounded.

The works will involve the installation of a "demountable" pylon at the Hill 16 end of the stadium and electrical installation to the roofs. It is anticipated the work will be completed for the Ireland-France rugby international on February 11th next year - the first "foreign" game to be played in the stadium after the historic decision to admit soccer and rugby while Lansdowne Road is being built.

Th French game has a 3.30pm start, while the next home game, against England on February 24th, has a 5.30pm start and will need lights throughout.

The GAA still hope to stage an opening round of the National Football League the weekend before the French game, February 3rd - possibly Dublin and Kerry - as the first official game under the new lights. But clearly there will be little time to play with.

Brennan also praised stadium director Peter McKenna, his board and the design team: architects Shane Shanley & Associates and structural engineers Horgan Lynch.

Elsewhere, the Galway Hurling Board have criticised elements of the media for what they describe as sensationalist coverage of last month's county final.

An investigation continues into incidents at the game, but board secretary John Fahey said he was "appalled" by some of the coverage of Loughrea's one-point win over Portumna last Sunday week.

Fahey has also rejected claims that Portumna star Joe Canning required stitches to his face following the game.

Three members of the county's Games Administration Committee (GAC) met at a Clarinbridge hotel on Tuesday night to view a video of the game and a further meeting has been scheduled for next week.

The GAC have also studied a copy of referee Michael Conway's report, but so far no players have been summoned to next week's meeting.