A `sort of' victory
A sort of ``fudge'' was the outcome to the Special GAA Conference
on Rule 21 held behind closed doors last weekend in Dublin. The
decision to delete the rule was deferred by the GAA Central
Council as the two-thirds majority required was not forthcoming.
A compromise motion was accepted by the gathering. The compromise
was to delete the rule after ``effective steps are taken to
implement the amended structures and policing arrangements
envisaged in the British-Irish agreement''.
The acceptance of the compromise motion by the leadership was
reportedly done in the interests of preserving the unity of the
association. It was, however, a clear kick in the teeth for GAA
President Joe McDonagh and others who wanted to unilaterally do
away with the rule. The idea for the special conference was
McDonagh's.
The opposition was led by eight of the Ulster counties (Cavan
being the exception), and Cork. Ulster had successfully blocked
the immediate deletion of the rule, to some unspecified date in
the future. Reports from the conference insist the meeting was
evenly split on the issue, with the debate, in the words of
McDonagh, ``forthright and comprehensive''.
The GAA leadership has however committed itself to removing the
ban on crown forces members. Joe McDonagh's statement after the
conference stated: ``The Gaelic Athletic Association is committed
to the cause of reconciliation among the people of all Ireland
based on mutual trust and tolerance. Recognising that the concept
of an exclusion rule has no relevance in a situation where the
national and cultural traditions of the people of all Ireland are
equally recognised and in response to the British Irish peace
agreement, approved in referenda by the people of Ireland, Cumann
Luthcleas Gael pledges its intent to delete Rule 21 from its
official guide when effective steps are taken to implement the
amended structures and policing arrangements envisaged in the
British-Irish pece agreement.''
Hopefully, when the GAA does considers the rule is no longer
required, and deletes it, the terms `RUC', and `crown forces'
will also be organisations spoken of in the past tense.
Championship
On the playing front the men from Cork were back on winning
championship form after a barren six years, with a victory over
rivals Limerick in the Munster Hurling Championship. In Leinster
the gap was just too much for the Dubs' hurlers as they suffered
an onslaught from Kilkenny. The optimism shown by Dublin
supporters and officials was short lived as the gap in class
between the two counties was on display for all to see at Parnell
Park. Derry overcame the challenge of Monaghan at Celtic Park.
Derry's three-goal blitz was enough to see them cruise to victory
over the Monaghan lads.
Gazza deflated
d what about poor old Gazza? Dropped by Glen Hoddle from the
English World Cup squad, the Geordie Whinger threw a tantrum when
told and departed back to Blighty. That was the cue for endless
sickening coverage, polls, Jimmy Five Bellies etc on the decision
from, who else but Sky. It made my day. Plenty of time now for
his favourite pastimes of boozing, wife-beating and playing the
flute!
BY CIARAN HEAPHEY
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