Rules Test to go west with game in Galway

International Rules: The GAA will replicate the Australian model for the International Rules series by hosting the two Tests at different venues this year. Pearse Stadium, Galway, will be the first provincial ground, since Páirc Uí Chaoimh in 1984, to stage an international match.

Last year's Tests were held in Perth and Melbourne.

If planning permission is granted for floodlights in Croke Park and Pearse Stadium, the first Test will be in Galway on Saturday, October 28th, and the second in Dublin on November 4th. Otherwise, the games will be moved to the traditional Sunday afternoon slot.

Belfast had been mooted as a potential destination in recent years but the €12-million upgrade of the Salthill venue into a modern 34,000-capacity stadium made it a more attractive option.

The decision is a major boost for Galway GAA with other recently upgraded stadiums like Limerick's Gaelic Grounds overlooked.

It will also help erase the €2.5-million outstanding debt of the stadium. Last December the venue received a grant of €1.5 million from the Government department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The ground has yet to be used as a neutral venue for All-Ireland qualifiers in either hurling or football, making the Bob Dylan concerts in 2004 the most profitable venture since it reopened in 2002. Bryan Adams will play there on June 4th.

"We are absolutely delighted that the quality of the facilities here have been acknowledged, especially considering the investment," said Galway County Board chairman Frank Burke.

"The other thing is Galway is a very popular spot for tourist breaks so hopefully now people will combine both and the city will benefit considerably from it. The businesses of the city have contributed handsomely to the redevelopment so it is only right that they get something out of it.

"Having floodlights installed in time is unlikely though as we are only drawing up the plans at present. The stadium is in a residential area so appeals to An Bord Pleanála are likely. That means at least nine months before a response."

Also, a discussion next May between the GAA and AFL will decide whether to change the series to a biennial event although this could have a detrimental effect on sponsorship and television deals.

GAA director general Liam Mulvihill pointed out this week that this was the preference of players.

"Players seem to feel that every second year would suit them better," said Mulvihill, "especially those players who play in the All-Ireland final. A lot of players from the All-Ireland final did not do themselves justice in Australia last time. I think it was clear to see that their minds were elsewhere and that has been the case down the years.

"Undoubtedly, games every second year would give some respite to our fixtures programme and allows us a possible alternative slot for the All Stars tour, while it would the make the tour to Australia or Ireland every four years more special."

One of the first decisions Nickey Brennan will make in his presidency is to appoint a successor to Pete McGrath as Ireland manager for the next two years.