MEDIA PRESS RELEASE

13^th July 2020

MUSLIM CELEBRATION OF EID PLANNED FOR CROKE PARK

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. Suffice to say, many members of our (Muslim) community have also been contributing to the Irish Health Service, on the Front Line, in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19. 

In line with Government advice, Mosques, like all other places of worship, have been closed since the 12^th of March as we work together to help keep our communities safe. In an unprecedented event, this year the holy month of Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr celebrations, took place in our homes amidst the Covid-19 lockdown. However, as we enter Phase 3 of ‘Reopening Ireland’, Mosques have once again reopened their doors with new restrictions in line with Government Guidelines and Regulations such as only allowing 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.

Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council (IMPIC) said:
“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 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 in 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. Invitations have been extended to other faith leaders and politicians in Ireland to the Eid Al Adha in Croke Park.” 

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.”

• Ends-

Notes to Editor

*Eid is scheduled to take place on 31^st July 2020 or the 1^st of August 2020, depending on moonsighting. The exact date will be confirmed on the 21^st of July 2020.

It is expected that 500 amount of people will be able to attend adhering to social distancing guidelines and following health protocols.

For IMPIC Media Inquiries please contact 087-6764122 or info@impic.ie

For GAA Media Inquiries please contact communications@gaa.ie

Received from Uachtarán na hÉireann – President of Ireland

Message from President Michael D Higgins

At the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, as you prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, may I send my congratulations and best wishes to all members of the Islamic community in Ireland.

In normal circumstances, Ramadan is a time when Muslims around the world can come together, to celebrate with their neighbours and loves ones, in mosques and cultural centres.

This year, as the covid-19 virus has forced the closure of so many public spaces, I hope that Ramadan can be an opportunity to reflect on our common humanity and our shared dependence, as the Islamic community has to try and celebrate its identity in a physically separated, but spiritually united, fashion.

Over the past number of months, our resolve as a nation has been tested and, as President of Ireland, I take heart from the countless demonstrations of solidarity between people of all backgrounds and their fellow citizens. May I thank the Islamic community in Ireland for its valuable contribution in this regard and send you my best wishes for your health and happiness in the year to come.

Michael D Higgins

Uachtarán na hÉireann 

President of Ireland