Rule 42 set for shake-up as Special Congress hear motion

The prospect of Croke Park being opened to soccer and rugby could receive a major boost today.

Today's Special Congress will hear a motion that would prevent senior GAA figures from deciding which proposals can go before the Annual Congress in April.

This year, the Motions Committee prevented discussion of motions calling for the removal of the controversial Rule 42. It ruled that motions from eight separate counties were out of order.

All eight were calling for Central Council to be given the power to decide on the Rule 42 issue, which would in effect pave the way for rugby and soccer at Croke Park.

The motions body includes former GAA presidents and other ex-officers.

Under today's Special Congress proposal, the Motions Committee would still assess proposals but any ruled out of order would be sent on to the Central Council to make the necessary changes.

GAA President Sean Kelly has backed the motion.