Croke Park can now accommodate 80,000 spectators

The poll showed 80 per cent were in favour of the gaelic games authorities opening up their modern 80,000-capacity stadium in northern Dublin.

Only 12 per cent were opposed to the idea, with eight per cent undecided, in the poll for the Irish Times.

Current GAA rules do not allow venues to be used for non-gaelic sports.

However, pressure appears to be mounting on the Gaelic Athletic Association to change its controversial Rule 42.

The development of a national stadium at Lansdowne Road, recently approved by the Irish government, is scheduled to take place between 2006 and 2008.

During the building work, the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Rugby Union would need an alternative venue for internationals.

If Croke remained closed off, and Irish football and rugby internationals were staged in Britain instead, the GAA could come out badly in public relations terms.