Pope’s visit could delay All-Ireland football final

Pope Francis is expected to visit next year.

Pope’s visit could delay All-Ireland football final

The Pope’s probable visit to Ireland would force next year’s All-Ireland football final to be delayed, according to reports, writes Stephen Barry.

Due to championship restructuring, the football showpiece is scheduled for its earliest ever completion – on Sunday, August 26, 2018.

However, the visit of Pope Francis is expected to coincide with the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, with Croke Park the preferred venue for a Papal mass to conclude the event on the same Sunday.

The Independent reports that the GAA’s Central Council have agreed in principle to delaying the final, should the mass be confirmed for Croke Park.

That would see the football final played on the following Sunday, September 2.

Croke Park previously welcomed 80,000 pilgrims to the Eucharistic Congress in 2012.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Donegal v Tyrone - Electric Ireland Ulster GAA Minor Football Championship Final Tyrone U20s edge Derry in dramatic finish after tactical battle
14-man Mayo overcome Galway in Connacht U20 Championship 14-man Mayo overcome Galway in Connacht U20 Championship
A general view of Cusack Park 22/6/2019 Dublin and Kildare make strong starts to Leinster MFC
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited