CHANGING ROOM'S LOCKER THE IRISH; EXCLUSIVE 2 DAYS TO CROKER CRUNCHER.

Byline: By ANDREW GREGORY

IRELAND have snubbed lucky locker room DR02 for this weekend's historic Croke Park clash - even though every team to have used it this year has won.

The squad had been offered the favoured changing room by venue chiefs earlier this week.

But Ireland opted for DR01 - the same one used in the defeat against the French, who were in DR02. Stadium director Peter McKenna said: "The home team always has first choice of dressing room.

"There is no difference between the two dressing rooms and teams have won matches using both rooms."

But DR02 has an amazing history of inspiring success.

Earlier this month Tyrone beat Dublin in the NFL Division 1A opener. The Red Hands made a superb comeback after a half-time break in DR02 in the first floodlit game held at the Dublin venue.

Last year Australia beat Ireland at International Rules after the Aussies changed in the lucky locker room.

The stadium has four changing areas - two in the Cusack Stand and two in the Hogan Stand.

The larger rooms underneath the Hogan Stand will be used by the teams this weekend.

The visitors will be getting ready for the tie underneath the area named after Tipperary footballer Michael Hogan who was one of the 14 people shot dead by British forces in the stadium on Bloody Sunday 1920.

Both changing areas are kitted out in exactly the same way with 28 power showers, built-in hairdryers and a safe room to lock away valuables.