BBC SPORT | N Ireland | Kernan favours Croke rematch

Armagh manager Joe Kernan has added his voice to those calling for his county's opening National League fixture against Dublin to be played at Croke Park.

Dublin's usual home venue is Parnell Park but it is felt the 10,000-capacity would not be nearly enough to meet demand.

There is added spice to the game because the counties met in a terrific All-Ireland Championship semi-final last August.

That was played at Croke Park, the GAA's Dublin headquarters, which has a capacity of around 80,000.

Joe Kernan would like a Croke Park rematch with Dublin
Joe Kernan's Armagh play Dublin in the NFL

But there are problems with playing the Allianz National League game there on 2 February.

There are big costs associated with opening Croke and Leinster Council officials say they would need an attendance of 40,000 just to break even.

Armagh boss Kernan said he would expect a crowd of "at least 30,000" if the league game was played at Croke.

Dublin chairman John Bailey put forward the idea of using Croke and Kernan thinks it is a good one.

"If the match went ahead at Parnell Park a huge number of fans from both counties would be disappointed," said Kernan.

"But there would be plenty of room at Croke.

"This match is going to generate a lot of interest."


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