Kelly admits decision could improve funding

THE GAA has dramatically improved its chances of further Government funding with the Congress’ decision to temporarily set Rule 42 aside, according to president, Sean Kelly.

The Association has already benefited to the tune of €109 million in the redevelopment of headquarters.

Asked if the motion to waive Rule 42 during the closure of Lansdowne Road was a bargaining chip with the Government, Kelly responded by claiming that was not a motivating factor in the decision.

“It wasn’t about that,” he answered. “In fairness to the Government, we got €40 million from them last year. I made it very clear at the time that it was without any strings attached. Everyone said that (Rule 42) was a matter for us and it had nothing to do with getting extra funds or anything else.

“At the same time though, if there are extra funds, we will not say no. I would think that we are in a stronger position after this now than if it had been rejected,” he added.

Delegates to Congress heard that a significant amount of money would be needed to make Croke Park suitable for international soccer and rugby.

Sligo delegate Kieran McDermott pointed out that Central Council would not be likely to rent out the stadium if the costs of upgrading it outweighed the projected income from rent.

That could lead to a further cash injection from the Government to install floodlights and security provisions.

In the meantime, Sean Kelly is just happy that what proved to be such a divisive debate has now been dealt with in a satisfactory manner.

“The immediate effect is that we can now take this off the agenda and concentrate on what we are supposed to be doing, what we do best - promoting our games, developing our clubs and catering for our players,” he said.

“We’ll await the outcome from the other bodies now, the would-be tenants. The ball is firmly in their court. At this point in time we await the return of serve.”

Whatever the outcome, Kelly has succeeded in passing what had become the issue on which his presidency would stand or fall.

Though he remained silent on the issue in the weeks leading up to Congress, his was perhaps the most crucial part played in having Rule 42 amended.

“It has got nothing to do with me,” he responded. “I don’t like personalising anything. Had it failed it would be nothing to do with me, had it passed it would be nothing to do with me. All I will take credit for is that I made sure that everything was conducted in the proper fashion.

“Whether it happened on my watch or somebody else’s watch is not what I’m about. I’ve always said that, whether people agree or disagree with me is not something I worry about unduly.”

He accepted, however, that in terms of progress, Saturday had been a red-letter day for the Association, with the division of the GAC and the establishment an arbitration system designed to stem the tide of GAA players taking their cases to the courts.

“The disciplinary motions are, in many ways, far more important than anything else because they will impact on our players, our clubs and hopefully they will help people to see that there is a sense of justice in the association, that things will now be done in a very open and transparent manner.”