DESPITE FEARS IN the US that a volcanic eruption in Iceland could cause the cancellation of the Croke Park Classic on 30 August, Met Eireann has said that the likelihood of any ash cloud impacting Irish airspace is remote.

Icelandic meteorologists had recorded a series of earthquakes under the Bardarbunga volcano and many US media outlets — like ESPN and Sports Illustrated — reported yesterday that the game between Penn State and UCF at GAA HQ might be cancelled if an eruption took place.

But Gerald Fleming, head of forecasting for Met Eireann, said the wind patterns next week mean that even if there is an eruption, any ash released into the atmosphere is unlikely to impact flights to Ireland.

“From this weekend on, the wind will change direction and become more south-westerly, meaning that any ash would likely be blown towards Norway. I would be fairly comfortable in saying that any ash cloud wouldn’t impact Irish airspace.” Fleming said.

Croke Park boss Peter McKenna had previously said that while this American football game would be worth less than seven figures to the GAA, he hoped to make Dublin the overseas base of college American football.

Organisers had not responded at the time of publication.

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