Croke Park stadium set to host Muslim celebration of Eid Al Adha

Croke Park Stadium has confirmed that the Muslim celebration of Eid Al Adha will take place at GAA headquarters on July 31 or August 1, depending on the moon sighting.

Mosques have been closed since March 12 alongside other places of worship as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown and Government restrictions.

In a break with tradition, the holy month of Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr celebrations took place from home as a result of the pandemic.

With Phase Three of ‘Re-opening Ireland’ taking place, mosques have opened their doors once more in line with Government Guidelines and Regulations, with a maximum of 100 worshippers permitted in one setting.

Eid Al Adha is a major event in the Muslim calendar, and the celebration will now take place outdoors - with Croke Park chosen as the host location.

“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," GAA President John Horan said.

“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," he added, speaking about the highly anticipated event.

“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.”

It is expected that 500 people will be able to attend the celebration in Croke Park to allow for social distancing.

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," Dr Al-Quadri continued.

“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, which will take place at the end of this month.