Republican News · Thursday 22 November 2001

There is life after Rule 21

Since its foundation in 1884 as part of the Gaelic Revival, the Gaelic Athletic Association has been a positive and enriching force in Irish society. Generations of our young people have benefited from this unique amateur organisation. The GAA has developed character and athleticism and has fostered teamwork and camaraderie and instilled a sense of pride in Irish culture and identity. The GAA helps bind parishes, communities and counties. Its value to Irish society can be seen outside Croke Park and at grounds across the country every Sunday from May to September in the teeming masses, young and old, who gather to engage in good-humoured rivalry and cheer on their respective counties.

The very ethos of the organisation is of pride in Irish national identity and culture. In the Six Counties, GAA clubs have provided an invaluable support mechanism for nationalist communities. They will continue to do so.

Last weekend's decision to remove Rule 21, which banned members of the Crown forces from membership of the GAA, must be seen in this light. Many Northernn GAA members will be disappointed at the decision, more conscious than many across the island of the grievance and hurt caused by the Crown forces in the Six Counties and of the sacrifices made by GAA members, some of whom have lost their lives.

GAA President Sean McCague acknowledged the concerns of the five northern counties who voted to retain Rule 21 when he made it clear that the decision of the convention should not be seen as an endorsement of any political party or policing service. These are the counties that have suffered most as a consequence of partition, the British military presence and the existence of a paramilitary pro-unionist police force.

But GAA members made the decision to remove Rule 21 in good faith, believing that they were doing their bit for the peace process. We may disagree but it is not the end of the world. It certainly does not make the British Army or the RUC/PSNI any more acceptable or give them one iota more credibility.

Now is not a time for recriminations but a time to move forward. Because the GAA is much much more than Rule 21. Those of us who treasure its role in the life of our nation must now rally behind it.