Dublin pitch for Croke Park

The possibility remains that Croke Park will be made available on Sunday week for Dublin's next home game in the National Football League, against Tyrone, even though the advice is not to use the pitch again until after next month's All-Ireland club finals.

On Sunday, 54,432 showed up at GAA headquarters for Dublin's opening game against Armagh, a record attendance for a divisional league match. The Dublin County Board is confident it could draw a similar crowd for the Tyrone game if it was played as part of a double-bill with another league game.

The obvious choice would be the Division 1B game between Meath and Kildare, scheduled for Navan. Dublin chairman John Bailey said yesterday moves were afoot to agree to the fixture switch with Croke Park, and that it had the makings of another major promotional campaign for the GAA.

"We've already had tremendous goodwill from Croke Park," said Bailey. "This is something that would benefit all sets of supporters, and it's definitely something we are still working on."

Croke Park, however, have indicated they have been advised to leave the pitch idle until after the club finals on March 17th. "Our professional advice has been to rest the pitch until at least after the club finals," said a spokesperson for Croke Park. "People forget that it was fully laid just over six months ago, and it certainly wouldn't be practical to overuse it at this time of the year.

"Of course, the future scenario, when the pitch is entirely settled, would be completely different. As things stand now though, it is ultimately a matter for the Games Administration Committee."

It was also suggested that the Walsh Cup hurling final, scheduled for Sunday between Dublin and All-Ireland champions Kilkenny, would be deferred and played as part of the proposed double-bill, but it was decided the game would go ahead this weekend as planned. But there will also be some likely distractions on the day, including Ireland's opening Six Nations rugby match away to Scotland.

Dublin's current form may also affect the attendance, something manager Tommy Lyons will look to improve in Ballyshannon on Sunday against Donegal. It is expected right corner-forward Alan Brogan will be available. The player was a late withdrawal before Sunday's heavy defeat to Armagh because of concerns over his recovery from a recent knee operation.

Donegal are also set to have the services of star forward Brendan Devenney, who was missing for last Sunday's loss to Galway as he was still tied to his soccer obligations with Finn Harps.

With the soccer season now over, Devenney has committed to the Donegal football panel for the remainder of the league. "Of course we are very pleased to have Brendan back in the panel," said manager Brian McEniff. "We'll have to take a look at his match fitness but he's sure to be a great addition this Sunday."