Croke Park To Be Used For Muslim Festival of Eid

Croke Park Stadium is pleased to confirm that the Muslim celebration of Eid Al Adha will take place at GAA headquarters in the coming month.

In line with Government advice, mosques, like all other places of worship, have been closed since the 12th of March.

As a result of the Government restrictions and in a break with tradition, this year the holy month of Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr celebrations, took place in homes during the Covid-19 lockdown.

However, as we enter Phase Three of ‘Re-opening Ireland’ mosques have once again opened their doors with new restrictions in line with Government Guidelines and Regulations including the facilitation of a maximum of 100 worshippers in an indoor setting.

As the next major event on the Muslim calendar approaches, Eid Al Adha, a decision was taken to celebrate this important occasion outdoors and Croke Park was chosen as the preferred setting.

GAA President John Horan welcomed confirmation of the staging of the celebration in Croke Park.

He said: “Normally Croke Park and our other stadia would be a hive of activity at this time of the year with the staging of games but we are living through a very different year.

“We are delighted to welcome members of the Muslim Community to Croke Park to mark Eid Al Adha, an important date in the Muslim calendar.

“I believe the staging of this celebration fully supports our commitment to inclusion and a GAA welcome linked to our belief that it’s ‘Where We All Belong’.

“I wish everyone involved in the occasion an enjoyable visit to Croke Park Stadium as it once again shows its suitability and versatility in welcoming visitors to the venue for a wide variety of different events.”

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council (IMPIC) Chairperson, Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, added:

“Many people living in Ireland who are members of the Muslim faith call Ireland 'Home'. Irish Muslims have contributed significantly in many sectors across our country, especially the health sector.

“The choice of Croke Park as a venue for Eid ul Adha celebration will be symbolic to Irish Muslims in their ‘dual-identity’ as being both Irish and Muslim and the significance that Croke Park and the GAA have in Irish history.

“The GAA is making great strides in embracing all communities nationwide. Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council is profoundly grateful to Croke Park for facilitating “Eid at Croke Park” which is a clear demonstration of the GAA’s unflinching commitment to promote social inclusion and intercultural diversity.

“The historic Muslim celebration of Eid Al Adha at Croke Park this year will be a positive representation of Ireland’s growing diversity of many different faiths and communities.

Invitations have been extended to other faith leaders and politicians to attend the Eid Al Adha in Croke Park."