HEC Semi Final Draw

[An Tarbh]

<div align='center'>Cardiff Blues/Toulouse v Leicester/Bath

Munster/Ospreys v Harlequins/Leinster</div>

Interesting to see where Munster would play should they, as expected, come through their match with the Ospreys. Thomond should not be an option but could well be given that Toulouse have been allowed to play semi finals previously at the Stade Municipal.

If they aren't allowed to play at Thomond they should be allowed to play at the RDS despite it being below the 20000 criteria for a semi final venue. There's previous for that as well since Castres played Munster at Beziers in the 2002 semi final which only had a capacity of 18000.

 

[shazbooger]

The RDS capacity can be increased to 20,000 I think so its an option. Criminal that we havent access to any of the big stadiums around the country.

God help us if Leinster and Munster go through, we'd end up playing it in Twickers, or Cardiff. Only in Ireland.

 

[An Tarbh]

well it's ultimately up to the ERC to decide but regardless of who they're playing the RDS is the only real option unless they bring in the temporary stands at Ravenhill like they did for the semi final in 1999.

 

[cyRil]

Even though it's only a subject for science fiction writers, would we be allowed to play the semi at the Liberty?

 

[An Tarbh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cyRil of Ospreylia @ Jan 27 2009, 02:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Even though it's only a subject for science fiction writers, would we be allowed to play the semi at the Liberty?[/b]

probably not since you've not played a home match at any other venue since moving there, with Munster and Toulouse they both have alternative home venues which may make it easier for the ERC to allow them to play a home semi final at either the Stade Municpale or Thomond.

 

[MunsterMan]

I'm sure in the unlikely event thay there was a Munster/Leinster semi a deal could be struck with the GAA. The GAA would not want any bad press by saying no anyway...

 

[Prestwick]

Oh FFS, how do Munster do it? They've gotten the easier Semi Final draw again!!!

Well...easier-ish, they'll probably foul it up with 15 minutes to go only to scrape a win like they did when Sarrie the Camel savaged them last season

 

[An Tarbh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Prestwick @ Jan 27 2009, 04:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Oh FFS, how do Munster do it? They've gotten the easier Semi Final draw again!!!

Well...easier-ish, they'll probably foul it up with 15 minutes to go only to scrape a win like they did when Sarrie the Camel savaged them last season [/b]

it's the 2nd time in 11 seasons that they've got a home draw for the semi finals. Hardly an easy draw again.

 

[Prestwick]

Like I said, I can't believe they've gotten such an easy draw, again!!!

 

[An Tarbh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Prestwick @ Jan 27 2009, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Like I said, I can't believe they've gotten such an easy draw, again!!![/b]

well given what they've been dished up in the past they deserve everything they can get.

 

[An Tarbh]

Some strange talk on RTÉ suggesting Croker for the Munster semi final, no point really as the hurling league finals are down for headquarters that day.

 

[feicarsinn]

well theyd have to amend rule 42 again as atm croker is only open for internationals

 

[An Tarbh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Jan 27 2009, 07:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

well theyd have to amend rule 42 again as atm croker is only open for internationals[/b]

as far as I know there's no clause that states it's for internationals only, by relaxing rule 42 congress gave central council the authority to determine which events could be played at Croke Park.

 

[feicarsinn]

Currently the amendment to Rule 42 of the GAA’s code only allows for international games to be held in Croke Park while Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped, but given the huge rental income the GAA could generate from a game of this magnitude, the association would be likely to consider such a request.

from hoganstand.ie

 

[An Tarbh]

well Brian Carthy was on RTÉ tonight saying that it was a decision to be taken by central council.

 

[An Tarbh]

Here's the rule from the GAA

Originally posted by GAA
Central Council shall have the power to authorise the use of Croke Park for games, other than those controlled by the Association, during a temporary period when Lansdowne Road Football Ground is closed for the proposed development.

So no mention of international games.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Jan 27 2009, 06:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Some strange talk on RTÉ suggesting Croker for the Munster semi final, no point really as the hurling league finals are down for headquarters that day.[/b]

That may not be a problem. For the last 5 or so years the hurling league final has been played in Semple Stadium although if a HC semi final was played in Croke Park on the same day as the hurling final was played in Thurles, it may be seen as rugby taking precedence over hurling by some die hard GAA fans.

 

[MunsterMan]

Thurles would be a fine venue for a Semi as well though, much better than playing it London or Cardiff.

 

[An Tarbh]

well they certainly got stung with the last semi final when the football final or semi final went up against the Leinster Munster semi final and they only had 10000 at the game, but given the matches are actually down for Croker I doubt they'll move them nor would they be inclined to let the game go ahead at HQ on the Saturday either.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Jan 28 2009, 11:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

well they certainly got stung with the last semi final when the football final or semi final went up against the Leinster Munster semi final and they only had 10000 at the game, but given the matches are actually down for Croker I doubt they'll move them nor would they be inclined to let the game go ahead at HQ on the Saturday either.[/b]

According to the Croke Park website, no events/games have been scheduled there for May:
http://www.crokepark.ie/plugins/eventsfeed.cgi