Most Kerry clubs back Central Council right to decide on Croke Park

TWO THIRDS of the clubs in Kerry are in favour of the GAA's Central Council being given the right to decide whether to allow rugby or soccer to be played in Croke Park.

Notably, there was only one objection to a motion to this effect adopted at the annual convention and it came in the form of a passionate defence of the existing policy from Liam Cotter, a member of the County Board Executive. He argued it would be tantamount to a betrayal of all the Association stood for to allow other sports "into their show house".

Club chairman Paddy Mulvihill formally moved the motion from the Moyvane club, to the effect that Croke Park (only) could be used for other purposes sanctioned by Central Council "from time to time". He stressed that only the Central Council could so decide, saying they would not tolerate a situation where the Management Committee "would dictate policy to the grassroots". The stadium was a major asset and should be used for the benefit of the Association, he added.