History and heartbreak as Ireland play France in the first rugby international played at Croke Park.
The term historic is often used in sport, but is apt for the 2007 Six Nations Championship match between Ireland and France. For the very first time Croke Park, the hallowed ground of Gaelic Games, opens its doors to rugby. President Mary McAleese greets the players on the pitch as they prepare for the much anticipated clash.
The French fans in Drumcondra stadium are looking forward to seeing Croke Park and are well aware of the day's historical significance,
It will be an historic game for sure, an historic day as well.
Irish fans are also out in force and unperturbed by the move to the north Dublin venue,
It’s brilliant, a little but further, but looking forward to it, it’s a great stadium so really looking forward to a good game.
Also looking forward to the match is Taoiseach Bertie Ahern who bemoans the lack of a national stadium. Many fans including those with a Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) background say they would like to see Croke Park used as the national stadium.
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) are said to gross over 5 million euro in receipts from the game. This is double the usual income. The GAA will receive over 1 million euro in rent. With the 82,000 seat capacity more supporters can see the game. Fans believe it is a win-win situation.
But on the pitch, fortune is not on Ireland's side as France snatch victory in the dying minutes. The final score: Ireland 17 - 20 France.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 11 February 2007. The reporter is John Kilraine.
