Cork votes down Rule 42 motion

The Cork County Board has voted against changing the controversial Rule 42 and opening up Croke Park to other sports.

The Cork County Board will vote to retain Rule 42 at this weekend's GAA annual congress.

Cork delegates met late into the night last night. County board chairman Jim Forbes told delegates that the decision could only be taken at the county convention, but as the motion was not debated at the convention, the county had to vote against opening up Croke Park.

The Limerick County Board last night backed opening up the stadium, overruling the stance taken at its county convention.

This was due to the fact that the understanding at the time was that all Rule 42 motions were for an

indefinite opening of the stadium.

The Shannonsiders' 110-10 vote decision to reverse their previous stance on the issue and advocate a temporary opening keeps alive the prospect of an historic change in GAA policy.

Both counties are crucial in terms of votes on the issue at next weekend's annual GAA Congress.

Votes from overseas GAA units could now decide the fate of the controversial rule.