Ireland Keen On Euro 2012 Bid

**Bowsy** · 12/07/2004, 10:15 AM

Just seen this. We can but dream!

http://www.skysports.com/skysports/a...142625,00.html

**PaulB** · 12/07/2004, 11:37 AM

It's a facken' joke. We don't even have a stadium FFS. Talking about trying to run before you can walk. Let's get our own house in order before inviting guests..

**Robinski** · 12/07/2004, 1:46 PM

I think they're banking on having access to Croker by 2012. If some-one like Seán Kelly is still in the hot-seat until then it might be feasible.

So, that makes two stadia. . .how can UEFA possibly refuse!

**Bowsy** · 13/07/2004, 2:31 PM

Can't blame them seeing as we provide precisely one not even built stadium.

http://www.eleven-a-side.com/offthef...p?newsid=12391

**dynamo kerry** · 13/07/2004, 4:59 PM

the scots will run a mile

far more chance of a welsh/scottish celtic bid

uefa will entertain us but they will never give the comp on the basis of a "possible" use of croker we havent even broken groun yet at lansdowne

I'd rather see th FAI spend time on the u-21 league

**Plastic Paddy** · 13/07/2004, 5:18 PM

Originally Posted by dynamo kerry

uefa will entertain us but they will never give the comp on the basis of a "possible" use of croker we havent even broken groun yet at lansdowne

Good point. I think the FAI need to earn their spurs staging a Champions League or UEFA Cup final as a one-off at the rebuilt Lansdowne before UEFA will take us seriously for anything else. We have no track record at managing large events of this nature, something woefully obvious from our bid for Euro 2008.

PP

**Pat O' Banton** · 13/07/2004, 5:43 PM

There was something on teletext about this last night which suggested that the Scots were by no means to enthusiastic about partnership with Ireland. Can't remember the full story but we were a bit of a joke last time (I think that i'm right in saying that we could only offer one stadium which the FAI didn't even have the rights to use or maybe another which we didn't even know for certain if it would exist

)
However Scotland's bid seems to be fatally floored by the fact that they have three of their nominated stadiums in the one city - a side point is that many in Scotland felt that there was a hugh waste of money with the rebuilding of Hampden in a city that had already got two 50,000+ stadiums, (also bizzarely enough Hampden is the smallest of the three stadiums)

Because of this I do not think that Scotland would (or should) be given the bid, surely the small matter of where to fit the fans who will want to stay in Glasgow will cross UEFA's mind? I agree the FAI and govt would be better advised to invest in the junior ranks of the game and first improve the standard of players that Ireland is capable of producing.

Maybe they can share with our occupied northern cousins, in their brand spanking new stadium. I'm sure they will welcome the chance to see two opposing teams score against each other in a competitive match

. you never know they may even get a half decent attendance.

**brine3** · 13/07/2004, 10:27 PM

The government should go to the GAA, tell them they'll rebuild Parc Ui Caoimh and The Gaelic Grounds into modern 30,000 all-seater jobs if the GAA agree to open up their stadia. The GAA surely wouldn't be able to resist, and badabingbaddaboom suddenly we have four Euro championship stadiums in 2012. To rebuild the two stadia would probably cost 60 million each max. The Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon (50,000 capacity) cost 75 million euro. When you consider that the Stadium Ireland project sucked up 400 million euro and produced only a swimming pool and a soccer youth academy it makes you want to cry.

Imagine though, England playing a group game in Croke Park and God Save the Queen being played. There'd be massive earthquakes from all the GAA men turning in their graves.

**dynamo kerry** · 13/07/2004, 10:41 PM

[QUOTE=brine3] sucked up 400 million euro and produced only a swimming pool and a soccer youth academy it makes you want to cry.
D[/QUOTE

good ideas all round - don't forget the velodrome though

also - how much do you think hosting the euros is worth

the prrice of rebuilding gaeilic grounds and pairc i chaoimh?

**tricky_colour** · 13/07/2004, 10:52 PM

I was considering hosting the tournement in my back garden

I will have to move the shed though.

**1MickCollins** · 13/07/2004, 10:53 PM

The Scots don't seem to be interested and who could blame them, they got burned once by the FAI, it won't happen a second time. They would freeking mad to throw their lot in with the FAI stooges.

http://www.eleven-a-side.com/offthef...p?newsid=12391