Underage rule put on the back burner

THE controversial motion passed at Congress a fortnight ago which severely restricts the playing eligibility of under-age players, has been suspended until next year.

A meeting of the Rules Drafting Committee over the weekend accepted the anomaly of introducing the rule when competitions have already started and in the case of some club U21 championships, have concluded.

However, GAA President Sean Kelly said that the move should not be seen as an abandonment of the rule.

Acknowledging that concern had been expressed by counties over the restriction it places on 17-year-olds (in relation to U-21 and adult competitions), Mr Kelly said that the GAA accepted the view that a new rule could not be introduced in the middle of competitions already begun.

“I can see where people are coming from, but the thinking behind the motion (from Westmeath) was to protect players from playing at a level above their age group.

“I wouldn’t want to give the impression that the whole thing is being abandoned,’ he added.

The rule will come into force at the beginning of 2006 and it would need a change of rule at the next Congress to amend its provisions.

Tipperary Chairman Donal Shanahan who said last week that the rule would have serious implications for rural clubs in particular, welcomed the decision take by the Drafting Committee.