GAA should stand by Rule 21
With all the debate raging on the so-called Good Friday
Agreement, the GAA's Rule 21 has been dragged into the euphoria
and hype. Rule 21 is the rule that forbids members of the Crown
forces from playing the national games or from being members of
the association. It states: ``Members of the British armed forces
and police shall not be eligible for membership of the
association. A member of the association, participating in dances
or similar entertainment promoted by or under the patronage of
such bodies, shall incur a suspension of at least three months.''
The GAA is a sporting oragnisation. The GAA also promotes Irish
culture and language. Most GAA members, while maybe not being
rabid republicans, are nationalist and at least nationally
minded. There is now a push on to get rid of the rule as it is
perceived by some elements as the ``right time'' for such a move.
Placed at the centre of the recent debate is Crossmaglen GAA
grounds. The British Army have occupied a section of their
grounds for the last 27 years for ``security'' reasons. Bertie
Ahern has raised the issue with the GAA. Speaking at a GAA
Congress banquet last week, he said there would be movement from
the Britsh on the occupation of Crossmaglen Rangers' grounds by
the British Army. This, strangely enough, was hours after the
decision to call a special congress to discuss Rule 21. A trade
off of army withdrawal from Crossmaglen pitch for Rule 21 maybe?
The facts are the British Army should vacate the GAA grounds in
Cross immediately, pending total withdrawal from the community. A
trade-off for the two is totally imcompatible and ridiculous.
A look at the bigger picture and the reasons for the continuing
existence of it remain. Nothing in the Good Friday Agreement
suggests a withdrawal of the Brish forces of occupation or the
immediate disbandment of their surrogates in the RUC. The GAA, as
already stated, is a nationalist sporting body. How can it equate
that with letting members of the crown forces become GAA members?
Members of the GAA have paid the ultimate price in the Six
Counties not only for their nationalist beliefs but for their
playing of the national games. Ten years ago GAA member Aidan
McAnespie was gunned down by a British soldier while crossing the
border to a GAA match. The same crown forces, as republicans know
all too well, are up to their necks in collusion with loyalist
death sqauds. It has and is constantly harassing members of the
GAA. Two GAA members, Seán Brown from Derry and Gerry Devlin from
North Belfast were murdered by such death squads in the last six
months. GAA property has also been constantly attacked.
d what of the unionists accusation that the rule is sectarian?
It does not preclude Protestants. It was never intended to be
sectarian. That is not the object of the rule.
yway, could you imagine the security operation that would have
to be mounted if any of these people turned out for a GAA club in
the Six Counties?
National League Final
Congratulations to the men from the Faithful County after their
league win over Derry last Sunday. Offaly secured their first
ever Natonal League title at Croke Park in atrocious conditions.
A team to watch for the championship.
BY CIARAN HEAPHEY
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