Rule 42 decision in tune with ‘onward march of nation’

MEATH Secretary Barney Allen describes the GAA’s landmark decision to change Rule 42 at Congress in April as “being in tune with the onward march of a nation.”

Writing in his fifth annual report, he doubts if any great sporting occasion in Croke Park's history could match 'the sheer drama and excitement' which greeted the announcement by Sean Kelly of the 227-97 vote to grant Central Council the power to decide on the use of the stadium for soccer and rugby.

"The two thirds majority was comfortably exceeded, much to the relief of those who favoured the limited opening of the hallowed stadium,'' he states.

"The result means that we have a garden rather than a museum a garden where sporting diversity is cherished and difference celebrated rather than a museum where tradition is static and the past is glorified.

"In any study of history, it is difficult to make the link with the past and present tangible, to define a connection. Nevertheless, when this phase of the GAA is written, there will surely be a chapter devoted to the chequered history of Rule 42, with special reference to its dramatic end. The end result was in tune with the onward march of a nation.'' In a wide-ranging report, Mr Allen echoes the general concern about the impact on club competitions of the increased inter-county programme.

The fact that so many of the extra games are televised has exacerbated the problem, he says, elaborating: "It impacted on attendances at club fixtures which could only be interpreted in one way apathy towards club competitions!''

Sharing the concern expressed by Director-General Liam Mulvihill that something needed to be done to stem the "haemorrhage" at club level, he welcomes the establishment of a task force to monitor the number of club games being played in each county.

In recording the contest to elect a new senior football manager exactly three months from last night's controversial meeting Mr Allen pays due tribute to Sean Boylan. Noting that he had filled the position with distinction for 23 years, he says that his record is unlikely to be equalled.

"For most of the current generation of fans, they have known no other manager but Sean. For them the Dunboyne herbalist gave them unbridled joy, especially in the 80s and 90s, when he brought the Centenary Trophy, NFL titles and All-Irelands to the county.

"Nothing became him better than the manner of his going. History will indeed be kind to a once-off gentleman.''

Summing up the year on the football playing field as "yet another" when expectations fell far short of early promise and optimism, he states that the "only beacon" of hope on the hurling front came from the success of their Under-21 hurlers in capturing the All-Ireland 'B' championship.