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.