Croker return sparks memories but there's no going back to noughties frontier
Rugby returns to returns to the home of the GAA on Saturday afternoon for the first time since Ireland hosted Scotland on the last day of the 2010 Six Nations.
Croke Park Sport News
Northampton need ‘appreciation and respect’ for Croke Park history ahead of semi-final
Northampton have been learning about the history of Croke Park in anticipation of becoming the first English club side to play at the home of Gaelic sport when they clash with Leinster on Saturday.
Northampton need 'appreciation and respect' for Croke Park ahead of Leinster semi-final
Northampton have been learning about the history of Croke Park in anticipation of becoming the first English club side to play at the home of Gaelic Games when they clash with Leinster on Saturday. Saints visit the famous stadium for an Investec Champions Cup semi-final that matches the best teams in Ireland and England. Director of rugby Phil Dowson believes crucial to success is an understanding of the history of Croke Park, which is steeped in national symbolism as the site of the 1920 Bloody Sunday massacre that took place during the Irish War of Independence. Northampton's Irish strength and conditioning coach Eamonn Hyland gave a presentation on its background to the squad on Monday and while Dowson stresses "we are not playing against ghosts", he knows the venue carried special meaning. "It's absolutely fundamental that we have an appreciation of the significance of Croke Park, both culturally and historically, to the Irish battle for independence and to their psyche," Dowson said. "It's mainly important because we should have an understanding of the history, regardless of whether we are playing rugby there or not. "But we should also understand the influence it will have on their playing group, the crowd and the implications for that around the atmosphere. "At the same time we are not playing against ghosts. We need an appreciation and respect for the history, but then we have to get our game on the field.
Explained: How does the Tailteann Cup work and who is in it?
Although it is the third year of the Tailteann Cup, this is the second year in its current format. Last year's winners, Meath are in the 2024 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship draw as reigning cup champions.
Sold out Croke Park 'pilgrimage' perfect for Leinster, says former Ireland prop Marcus Horan
Leinster's trip across the Liffey to Croke Park provides a "perfect" backdrop for their Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton, according to Marcus Horan.
Leinster to play all home games at Aviva Stadium and Croke Park
Leinster Rugby has confirmed the club is to play all their home games at the Aviva Stadium and Croke Park next season.
GAA: Camogie leagues reach final weekend, quarter-finals in Leinster and Ulster
The Very Camogie Leagues are the big fixtures of the weekend, as Galway and Tipperary travel to Croke Park for the Division 1A title.
Saturday sport: League deciders at Croke Park; provinces in URC action
Here's the latest from the day's sporting action...