Offaly and Kildare backing for Croker opening

EFFORTS to open Croke Park to other sports received further support last night.

Offaly and Kildare became the latest counties to pledge their backing to a temporary ending of the controversial Rule 42 at GAA headquarters for the duration of the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, scheduled to commence in 2006.

The matter did not go to a vote at last night's Offaly County Board meeting in Tullamore.

Instead delegates agreed to support a Wicklow motion calling for the suspension of Rule 42 during the closure of Lansdowne Road.

Offaly were opposed to the opening of Croke Park when the matter last came before Congress.

At a well-attended meeting in Newbridge, Kildare delegates voted 51-13 in favour of rescinding the rule, but only for the duration of the work at IRFU headquarters.

The Kildare delegation were divided on the matter when it was last on the Clár for Congress.

"The voting of the Kildare delegation will reflect the democratic decision of the clubs of Kildare," the county board chairman, Syl Merrins, stressed ahead of the convention at Croke Park on April 15 and 16.

Delegates in Derry and in Carlow will discuss the matter tomorrow night, as will their counterparts in the New York Board.

"The New York mood is as much as it is in Ireland as it varies on both sides of the argument," board secretary Larry McCarthy said last night.

"We have not really discussed it to any great length," Mr McCarthy added.

"We have our regular county board meeting on Thursday night and it is down for discussion. We have five votes but it is far too early to say which way the vote will go."

Paddy Power, of Paddy Power bookmakers, is keeping a close eye on the situation.

"The odds would be 1/3 for Croke Park not to be open for the Ireland v France game in September and 2/1 to see Henry and the likes in action there."