US PRESIDENT BARACK Obama could hold a rally in Croke Park when he arrives in Ireland next month, according reports today.

The Sunday Business Post says that the GAA has been asked to reserve their headquarters for Sunday, 22 May to facilitate a possible rally if Obama arrives in Ireland on that day.

Obama would hope to attract big crowds at the 80,000-seater plus stadium but reports say that if he does not arrive until Monday, 23 May then a rally at Croker is less likely as there would be fears over whether such numbers could be attracted to the stadium on a weekday.

The Sunday Times (subscription required) suggests that if Obama flies into Ireland on 23 May a rally in College Green in Dublin or outside the General Post Office on O’Connell Street would be more likely.

Obama is expected to meet President Mary McAleese on the day he arrives in Dublin as well as members of the government in the Phoenix Park.

He will later travel to Moneygall in Co Offaly, the much famed birthplace of his great-great-great- grandfather Fulmouth Kearney. He will then return to Dublin to make a public appearance and speech.

A visit to Trinity College, at the request of provost John Hegarty, also has also not be ruled out, The Sunday Times adds.

The 24-hour visit to Ireland is a boost given previous reports that Obama may only stay in the country for five hours ahead of a state visit to the UK in the same week.