For when the ancestral headquarters of the Gaelic Athletics Association throws open its imposing doors to the England rugby team tomorrow evening, the two will collide head on as another momentous chapter unfolds in Croke's tumultous history.
Across the Irish Sea, passions have been aroused by the decision of the GAA to allow rugby, previously derided as a "foreign sport," to played in Croke's imposing 83,000 shrine to Gaelic sport.
To understand why, you need to go back to November 1920. It was the height of the War of Indepenence and 14 British agents were killed in Dublin. That afternoon, a British platoon of the Black and Tans rushed to Croke Park in armoured cars where a game between Dublin and Tipperary was in progress.
There, the Tans opened fire, killing 14 people, including women, children and Tipperary captain Mick Hogan.
Croke's place in Irish folkfore was cemented on that grim day and given such a bloody history, it's easy to understand why the very thought of an England team stepping out in North Dublin is still anathema to some in the Republic.
And for those who have learnt to stomach the idea, the prospect of `God Save The Queen' resonating around the stands come Saturday night may be too much to swallow.
"Everyone in Ireland is really geared up for this match. The fact that it's England coming to Croke Park has given the whole occasion an added frisson," says David Courtney, sports editor of the Irish Independent.
"The GAA's decision to allow Rugby Union to be played at Croke was made two years ago, so everyone has had time to adjust to the idea, even if they didn't agree with it.
"But I think for some people, the prospect of England's national anthemn being sung is a big problem. It's a very emotive issue and there is a fear that some republicans may look to pull a stunt or gesture, so from that point of view there is a sense of foreboding about the game."
The armada of England fans preparing for their biennial trip across the Irish Sea may also get a shock to the system once they descend upon Croke's raw Drumcondra locale.
"Earthy," is how Courtney describes the surrounding area.
"It's a tough, working class district and a complete contrast to Lansdowne Road," he adds.
"I was there a fortnight ago when Ireland played France and it was weird seeing the rugby crowd descend on the stadium.
"It was a bit like a Twickenham crowd turing up at Maine Road where Manchester City used to play!"
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