Gaelic Games: A move to have a special congress on the subject of Rule 42 and the use of Croke Park was defeated at the opening session of this year's annual GAA congress.GAA correspondent
The motion to suspend standing orders and have a vote on the matter was proposed by Roscommon delegate Tommy Kenoy and seconded by Clare's Noel Walsh. It was well defeated on a show of hands.
Jimmy Dunne from Wicklow, who had been closely involved with the county's motion on the matter, which was among the eight ruled out of order, opened discussion on the use of Croke Park. This was under the heading of the debate on the Director General Liam Mulvihill's annual report.
"We were deeply disappointed when they were ruled out of order," said Dunne.
He went on to criticise "the growing inability of some members to respect and encourage change", which he described as "an unhealthy situation".
Down's Donal McCormack was more concerned by the criticism levelled at the Motions Committee, comprised of former presidents.
"I would like to express disgust at the vilification of the Motions Committee," he said.
This view was echoed by Cork delegate Bob Honahan who defended the past presidents: "They were in touch with the real values of the association. They stuck with the rules when maybe it would be easier to turn a blind eye."
Andy Gallagher from Offaly made the point that the continual setting aside of the debate on Rule 42 was "bringing about frustration for ordinary GAA members".
Earlier last night GAA president Seán Kelly had called for a truce in the ongoing dispute over the issue of Rule 42 and the use of Croke Park.
In a prepared statement accepted by a meeting of the association's Central Council, Kelly called for both sides in the debate to forgive any hurt caused by an at times intemperate public debate.
"I wish to refer briefly to some comments, which were made in recent weeks, subsequent to the Motions Committee's decision in regard to motions submitted in respect of Rule 42. I accept that this is an emotive issue and that people hold strong views for various reasons on the subject.
"However, I feel that the nature of some comments made were unnecessary, unfair and unjust. As a member of the Motions Committee I am on the record as stating that I accepted the collective decision of the committee, which was taken on the basis of the facts of rule and precedence before the members.
"In stating this I recognise that it was the democratic wish of a majority of clubs in eight counties that the subject of a change of Rule 42 be debated at this year's Congress. A system was set in place with a view to facilitating this wish and aspiration. However, the stark fact of the matter is that the system was inadequate and failed.
"Inevitably this led to disappointment and anger but I believe that those given the responsibility of applying the system should not be pilloried for its inadequacy."
He also undertook to launch an investigation of the system whereby motions are vetted in order to ensure that they are in order. Despite this all eight motions on Rule 42 were ruled out of order.
"It is my intention to ensure in the months ahead that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that no one is put in that invidious position again.
"Coiste Bainistí intends to do a root and branch analysis of the current system in place and insofar as I can endeavour to ensure a system is put in place which facilitates every club and unit to address Congress by way of acceptable motion.
"I fully accept that everybody involved in this debate acted as they saw it, in the only way they could, in the interests of the association. I ask here that they extend their loyalty and support to the Association by forgiving any hurt or disappointment experienced and by leaving here united."
At the Central Council meeting the appeal of Galway dual player Kevin Brady to the Reinstatements Committee has been handed over to Management Committee for determination. Brady was suspended for playing without authorisation in Britain last November. His case was recommended by the Games Administration Committee but Management requires further clarification, according to GAA Director General Liam Mulvihill.
Management was granted the authority to hear the case and pending the arrival of correspondence relevant to the case, will do so as soon as possible. It was intimated that Galway were hoping to select Brady for the footballers in tomorrow's NFL semi-final against Tyrone.
Speaking afterwards Mulvihill said that this might be possible. "It depends on when GAC can forward the clarification. If we get it quickly we'll probably hear it this weekend." Mayo delegate Paddy Muldoon advised the meeting that the provincial council of Britain was unhappy at the prospect of the player serving only 12 weeks of his year's suspension.
It was also announced that Access Telecoms have been appointed the official fixed line partner of the GAA.
According to last night's statement, the idea originated with an approach from Seán Bolger, the CEO of Access, 18 months ago.
The company will be offering special telecom packages to members who can transfer the savings on the cost of their existing calls to their clubs or counties or both.
