Eid Al Adha to Return to Croke Park This Month

Croke Park is set to host the Muslim celebration of Eid Al Adha for the second year in a row this month.

In a statement released on Monday, the GAA said "Following the success of last year’s event and with Covid restrictions governing religious ceremonies still in place, the Association’s headquarters will once again welcome members of the Muslim community for their celebration."

"With Croke Park out of commission for games for long periods last year, it was wonderful to be able to host the celebration of Eid Al Adha in our stadium," said GAA President Larry McCarthy. "We are all delighted to have our games back with some supporters in attendance, and we are also very pleased to be able to host the 2021 Eid celebration."

Calling last year's event a "huge success," McCarthy highlighted how hosting the celebration "symbolised our ongoing efforts to foster inclusion and diversity throughout the community. We extend a warm welcome to those who will be in attendance and look forward to working with Dr Umar Al-Qadri and his colleagues in the planning of the event."

Dr Umar Al-Qadri is chairperson of The Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council (IMPIC).

"I am delighted that the Gaelic Athletic Association and the team at Croke Park have once again provided us with the opportunity to gather as a community in Croke Park to celebrate the occasion of Eid al-Adha," Al-Qadri said on behalf of the council. "The media coverage of last year’s event was well received around the globe, generating huge goodwill for the GAA and Irish society wherever it reached. This year’s event will build on that, strengthening the relations between the Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council and the GAA as we remember that we are stronger together, and we must all emulate the GAA’s example in providing spaces and places ‘Where We All Belong’."

Eid Al Adha will be held at Croke Park on July 20th.