Rule 42

The GAA congress in April 2005 will after all discuss the motion to permit the use of Croke Park for other sports

Following the re-submission of amended motions by a number of County Boards, the proposal to open Croke Park for use by other sports will be debated at the GAA Congress in April 2005.

While the arrival of the motions on the agenda is a positive and democratic move, indications are that the proposal to open will fail. It is reported that seven of the Ulster County Boards have confirmed their intention to reject the motion with Cavan and Donegal still undecided. Should these circumstances prevail and given that a few of the southern counties headed by Cork have also indicated that they will oppose the proposal it will be impossible to achieve the requisite majority.

The proposal to open the Stadium in general terms was never a real option, however the amendment suggesting a temporary lifting of the ban during the period that Lansdowne Road is being re-built was initially seen as a possible alternative but that now seems doomed to failure.

A possible shaft of light did however emerge earlier this week when the GAA's own Marketing Sub-Committee referred to the matter in their report on the future marketing strategy of the Association.

The report indicated that there was a distinct danger that failure to make Croke Park available to rugby and soccer during the refurbishment of Lansdowne Road could result in a very negative backlash towards the GAA. The reports notes „ There is an emerging risk that where Irish national teams in other codes find that they have to play home matches outside of Ireland, there may be a negative reaction to the GAA brand among the general public and possibly amongst some of the Association's own members.

It remains to be seen whether the publication of the report has any impact upon the decision of those County Boards who are opposed to the opening of the Stadium.