GAA chiefs yesterday called for a special meeting to re-consider ditching the controversial Rule 21 which excludes members of the security forces in Northern Ireland from membership of the GAA.
GAA President, Sean McCague, issued a short statement calling for a meeting to be held on Saturday, November 17th to discuss the matter.
The timing of the announcement may appear like a gesture from the GAA in light of recent developments in the peace process, but it has been widely understood the GAA has been gearing for such a move for months.
"I and others have been in constant contact with the counties over the last year. We gave an assurance that we could continue to address this issue and this is part of that process," said McCague in Ireland on Sunday.
Rule 21 states members of the British police and armed forces are not eligible for membership of the association. Three years ago the then president Joe McDonagh unsuccessfully tried to overturn the rule but the association did commit to removing it when the ‘time is right’.
"It is important we debate these issues. I am never afraid of debate in the GAA and I am not afraid of this one," concluded McCague.