Madam,- As a lifelong member of the GAA, from player to follower to supporter, I write regarding the upcoming consideration of Rule 42 at this year's GAA Congress. This is a matter of serious national importance, whose outcome will be a defining moment for our association and indeed for the country, in terms of maturity, confidence and inclusiveness.
The GAA is a truly national organisation: it is present in almost every community and parish throughout the country and embraces many political, economic, social and cultural strata in our society. It is an extraordinary sporting body whose continuing and growing success is underpinned by the friendly but fierce inter-county rivalry and loyalty in both hurling and football.
In the past 20 years or so the country has become hugely interested in sports right across the board, with enormous numbers supporting their county Gaelic teams, and the Irish soccer and rugby international sides, with equal passion and commitment. Given the above, it is a matter of great importance to the country that Croke Park be made available by the GAA for Ireland's home international matches in both rugby and soccer, at least during the construction of the new stadium at Lansdowne Road. In doing so, the GAA would be first and foremost serving the national interest - the national sporting organisation serving the country at a time of need. It is a privilege for the GAA to be in this position and reflects very favourably on its foresight and on the general management of its affairs. It is also a tribute to the many ordinary followers who support the games in their tens of thousands, and to the corporate sector, the premium-seat holders and the Government, all of whom have made significant contributions to the construction costs of this outstanding stadium.
While some may argue that the FAI and the IRFU should have their own stadiums by now, this is to miss the bigger issue of national pride, national cohesiveness and stature. The idea of Irish supporters travelling to the UK or some other country for our "home" matches is too awful to contemplate.
A negative outcome would do irreparable damage to the GAA, cause divisiveness among the sporting public and damage Ireland's reputation in the eyes of the sporting world.
I have not mentioned the financial considerations of this decision, because the core issue here is more important than money: the main reason for the GAA to "open up" Croke Park is that the country needs it. - Yours, etc.,
JOE LAYDEN, South Hill Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin.