TIMELINE HOW THE SAGA PLAYED OUT...
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Liam Miller, the former Republic of Ireland international passes away at the age of 36 from cancer. WEDNESDAY, JULY 18 At a press conference to announce details of a charity match to benefit Miller’s family and Marymount Hospice (between Manchester United legends and Ireland/Celtic legends at 7,000 capacity Turner’s Cross), Lord Mayor Mick Finn reveals that they had unsuccessfully sought to have the game played Páirc Uí Chaoimh, which has a capacity of 45,000. ‘Attempts were made by Michael (O’Flynn) and myself and others to see if Páirc Uí Chaoimh would be available. But they have their own internal practices; the response was “it wasn’t available on this occasion”.’ The fire was lit. THURSDAY, JULY 19 Jack Anderson, former secretary of the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA), claims the GAA can host the game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh if Central Council deems the event not to be in conflict with the ethos of the association. FRIDAY, JULY 20 The GAA issues a statement declaring it cannot host the tribute match as it is ‘prohibited in rule’ which precludes GAA grounds outside of Croke Park from hosting games showcasing competing codes. The GAA also claim they have taken ‘legal advice’ which confirmed that, in abiding by their rules, they were ‘compliant’ with the ‘terms and conditions’ of the €30million state funding received for the stadium’s development. SATURDAY, JULY 21 After it is reported that government ministers, including Shane Ross and Simon Conveney, had contacted Croke Park directly in the aftermath of the statement, there is a dramatic change in tone. GAA chiefs confirm publicly they are willing to discuss the ‘location’ of the event with the organising committee. TUESDAY, JULY 24 A Croke Park delegation — made up of GAA president John Horan, director general Tom Ryan, Frank Murphy and Tracey Kennedy, the chair and secretary of the Cork County Board — meet with the organising committee. The meeting is hailed as ‘open and constructive,’ with the GAA claiming they would now ‘consider’ their position. WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 Minster for Sport Shane Ross states that future state investment in major sports infrastructural development will be conditional on inclusivity. ‘That’s something we’ll have to insist upon,’ said Ross. THURSDAY, JULY 26 Central Council delegates are summoned for a special one-issue meeting to take place on Saturday morning. FRIDAY, JULY 27 The GAA’s high-powered 16-strong management committee meet in Croke Park and agree to recommend to Central Council that Páirc Uí Chaoimh should host the event. SATURDAY, JULY 28 Delegates accept the recommendation and the green light is given for the match to proceed on September 25. It is also revealed that a GAA event, most likely an exhibition game, will also form part of the day’s programme.