IRFU and FAI want Croke for 2008
The FAI and the IRFU have sounded out the GAA about the possibility of holding soccer and rugby internationals at Croke Park in 2008.
The GAA's Central Council is understood to have discussed the matter last weekend although discussions are said to be at an early stage.
Rugby Six Nations and Republic of Ireland soccer internationals will be staged at Croke Park in 2007.
However, the GAA has not committed to extending the deal beyond next year.
Redevelopment work at Lansdowne Road is scheduled to start early in 2007.
Last January, the GAA reached agreement with the IRFU and the FAI over the use of the 80,000-capacity stadium for rugby and soccer in 2007.
At the time of the announcement, a statement said that the situation post-2007 had not been discussed or considered and that any future application would \"be reviewed in the context of the Lansdowne Road Development project in 2007\".
The GAA was unwilling to commit itself beyond 2007 at that stage because of concerns that objections by residents might delay the beginning of the Lansdowne Road redevelopment.
If redevelopment work at Lansdowne Road continues into 2008, the GAA would be able to rent out Croke Park to the IRFU and FAI for another year without having to have another Congress vote.
Croke Park will open its door to rugby and soccer for the first time on 11 February when France take on Ireland in the Six Nations.
England's rugby team will then be in action at Croke Park on 24 February while the first ever soccer game at the north Dublin stadium with be the Republic of Ireland's clash with Wales on 24 March.
The Republic will also be in action at Croke Park against Slovakia (28 March), Germany (13 October) and Cyprus (17 October).
