Rule 42 vote too close to call

The impending GAA vote on whether to open up Croke Park to rival sports remains too close to call ahead of the association's annual congress, which gets underway this evening.

At present, rival sports are not allowed at the Dublin stadium under the controversial Rule 42.

A two-thirds majority is needed at congress this weekend to overturn the rule and many commentators have predicted that this majority will be secured.

However, several counties have not declared their voting intentions and the outcome is far from certain.

Yesterday, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said he hoped Rule 42 would be relaxed to allow international rugby and football games take place at Croke Park during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road.