Rugby Union: CROKE PARK: THE HISTORY

1870 Croke Park site is owned by Maurice Butterly and known as the 'City and Suburban Racecourse'.

1908 The racecourse is purchased by Frank Dineen for pounds 3,250

1913 Site bought by GAA from Frank Dineen for pounds 3,500 and renamed Croke Park in honour of Archbishop Croke of Cashel, the association's first patron.

1913ֿ1952 Hogan, Cusack and Nally stands and Hill 16 and Canal End terraces are constructed.

1983 Dunshaughlin's call for Croke Park to be opened up is defeated at Meath's convention by 80 votes to 25.

1993ֿ2005 Croke Park e250million redevelopment work increases capacity to 82,300.

2001 Roscommon motion for Croke Park to be opened up to rugby and soccer defeated by one vote at Congress.

2005 Congress agrees in April to empower to Central Council to open up Croke Park to rugby and soccer while Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped.

2005 In December Central Council says FAI and IRFU can play some international games at Croke Park in 2007.

2007 First ever international rugby tie at Croke Park takes place today.

2007 Next Sunday GAA's Central Council will discuss an extension to the rental agreement for 2008.

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