All-Ireland finals set to remain in July as Oasis confirm comeback at Croker
2009 Slane In Photos Collins Performing At Oasis Castle Pic: Gallagher Liam With
The All-Ireland senior football and hurling finals are all but certain to remain in July as rock and roll band Oasis have been confirmed to play in Croke Park next August.
The GAA’s Central Competitions Control Commitee (CCCC) had already pencilled in the hurling and football deciders for July 20 and 27 respectively, although there had been calls from leading GAA officials to review the split season on the grounds of promotion and shifting the conclusion of the championships into August.
Manchester-Irish band Oasis’ reunion tour takes in Croke Park on Saturday August 16 and 17. Both concerts are expected to sell out.
It is anticipated the All-Ireland ladies football and camogie finals will take place on August 3 and 10 respectively.
In April this year, GAA president Jarlath Burns floated the idea of the finals returning to September although later admitted it was unlikely. However, he had spoken of the need for more time between the two finals.
The sense in GAA hierarchy now is that they want to assess the impact of the Football Review Committee’s (FRC) proposals on the game and the changes to the football championship structure on decreasing attendances before reshaping the inter-county schedule.
The favoured SFC format change, a qualifier system with a winners and losers round, is due to be voted on at Central Council next week before going forward as a motion to Special Congress on November 30. It’s there where the FRC’s proposed changes will also be debated.
In terms of rent, the GAA make over €1 million per concert in Croke Park with Coldplay’s four concerts starting this Thursday set to bring in almost €4.5m.