Croker rule change gathers pace as congress nears

THE GAA’s rank-and-file members are edging towards historic change on the opening up of Croke Park at next week’s annual congress.

A number of counties have backed moves this week to hand power to central council on the use of headquarters, tilting the balance in favour of a change in Rule 42. The increased grassroot role is seen as key in the shift.

Galway, Donegal, Meath, Tipperary and Waterford have supported motions on the use of Croke Park for other sports.

Offaly and Kildare added their support last night, opting for opening the stadium on a temporary basis.

However, divided opinion continues to characterise the most feverish debate in GAA history.

Though Galway delegates voted on Monday to back the opening of the stadium on a temporary basis, a motion to give central council the power to change policy on the issue was defeated.

Ulster’s hardline support of Rule 42 remains, but a top Down GAA official said last night attitudes are changing with regard to rugby at Croke Park.

“The feeling within the county, and this is something you would probably see in most of the six counties, is very favourable towards allowing rugby in, but people aren’t so sure about soccer,” said Down county secretary Donal McCormack.

“Rugby is an all-Ireland sport; soccer is not. Soccer is a 26-county sport and a six-county sport and that is the major stumbling block.”

The pro-change lobby will need more than 200 votes on Saturday week at Croke Park - presuming the respective motion requires a two-thirds majority. Key figures suggest that has not been firmly established.

Pundits speculate that with British and overseas support - carrying up to 50 votes - the two-thirds majority may be realised.

Eight counties, responsible for over 50 votes, will debate the issue next week, including Cork, Limerick and Kilkenny.