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Irish Central is first with the news – President Barack Obama has been invited to speak at Croke Park during his visit to Ireland next month.

GAA sources have confirmed that Croke Park is the likely venue for a major public address by the US President on May 23rd.

Washington sources had told Irish Central that the venue was favored because of security considerations over a street venue in central Dublin.

The story was first revealed by Irish Central last week and has been confirmed by the Irish Times in their Monday edition and in the Sunday Business Post.

The paper of record reports that Croke Park is: “Being considered as a venue for a rally when President Barack Obama visits Ireland next month.”

A top Croke Park source confirmed to the Irish Times that the GAA headquarters is being looked at as a venue ahead of a decision on Obama’s full itinerary for his first visit to Ireland.

The Dublin venue is available that weekend as the National League will have concluded and the championship schedule doesn’t begin until June at the stadium.

American Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney is to hold a number of meetings to finalise the Presidential itinerary this week.

Rooney will visit Obama’s ancestral homeland at Moneygall in County Offaly when he will hold talks with Offaly County Manager Pat Gallagher.

The Ambassador, a Croke Park patron in the past, will also discuss the likely  rally at the GAA ground with officials.

President Obama's profile page

Read more: Obama slaps ban on Irish musicians traveling to Cuba

Read more: Michelle Obama's Irish roots traced to Irish slave owner