Rule 42 Discussion

[blobbyblob]

Well Boys,

D-Day today for our friends in Croke Park this evening. The 5 appeals go before the past presidents to see if the motion to open Croke Park will be raised in Congress in April.

For the 2nd year running the submissions were found to be "flawed" and final decision will be taken tonight.

This topic has been discussed to death. The GAA will do what the GAA will do but the fact remains that if these applications are rejected, the FAI/IRFU will have no option but to go abroad to play their games until Lansdowne has been redeveloped.

While the fans will have tho suffer the financial hardship of having to travel long distance to support their respective codes for "home" internationals, I feel the biggest losers in this will be the players.

We have potentially the most successful groups of talented individual youngsters in both soccer and rugby, the majority of whom were born and bred on this island, who would have played soccer, rugby, hurling and gaelic football in their early days. Who can tell what impact this will have on these sporting bodies on what should be their glory years.

It seems to me that in a "holier-than-thou" manner, the GAA Godfathers of today are telling these ambassadors that theyre not as Irish as themselves. Im sure the original founders of the GAA would turn in their graves at the notion that an Irishman would be turned away from representing their country in any sport by a fellow countryman. The first GAA meeting made no reference to hurling or football and concentrated on Athletics and the revival of the Tailteann Games. It was organised in an inclusive manner with support received from the organiser of the Caledonian Games and similar organisations from Wales.

The GAA have an oppurtunity to make many friends or a horrendous mistake. Lets hope sense prevails. To the future...

[Dawn_Run]

I don't know how fair that is. The GAA are recognising that soccer is a big sport in this country and as such could be a competitor for revenue raised from sponsors, and really there is no onus on them bar whatever weight public opinion brings to bear to facilitate the competition. Of course that doesn't make it right, but it makes it sound business.

Have to disagree - on the most part (Bar eL games) both sports are happening in eachothers off seasons. Cant see it causing revenue loss - especially when the GAA would be payed handsomly for the use of a stadium that would otherwise be sitting there earning nothing. Opening Croker is good for everyone, except the narrowminded.

[blobbyblob]

I don't know how fair that is. The GAA are recognising that soccer is a big sport in this country and as such could be a competitor for revenue raised from sponsors, and really there is no onus on them bar whatever weight public opinion brings to bear to facilitate the competition. Of course that doesn't make it right, but it makes it sound business.

Have the FAI ever approached the GAA with a financial offer to use their facilities?

The GAA have made no bones about the fact that this is not about money. They are quiet prepared to foot the redevelopment bill without the aid if the FAI. Past President Peter Quinn spoke quiet candidly on Primetime not so long ago and went to great lenghts to point out that soccer was a 26 county sport and under that condition he would not support its appearance in Croke Park. By the same addmission he had no objection to rugby being played there. Corke Park is a political vehicle being driven by a power weilding minority and being chased down the road by a nation that wants change, both in the sporting and political sense. I say to them...put it to the floor and leave the decision lie with those who represent the participating players around the land. The GAA players are the juice that makes the organisation run. Let them speak.

Before you assume that Im a GAA basher, Im not. While I play junior soccer, follow an EL club and The Republic of Ireland. I have played Hurling and Gaelic Football and rugby. I will also follow Kerry Football, Kilkenny and Waterford Hurling every year throughout the winter and summer. My investment in GAA both in time and money gives me a voice like the coutless thousands who are just like me in this country who have done likewise.

[Peadar]

The GAA are recognising that soccer is a big sport in this country and as such could be a competitor for revenue raised from sponsors...

That's the biggest load of cobblers I've heard in a long time!
"Soccer" is going to be big in Ireland regardless of where the national team play. Playing in Lansdowne Road restricts access and therefore makes the fixtures more desireable because demand far outstrips supply.

If the GAA are indeed thinking as a business, as you would have us believe, then surely they can appreciate the monetary gains possible as a result of rent paid by other national sporting organisations.

If anything, the GAA are seen by many as bigots due to their outdated rules and are doing themselves no favours with potential international sponsors.

Stand Up - Speak Out!

[Macy]

Have the FAI ever approached the GAA with a financial offer to use their facilities?
Whats the point when they have sectarian rules in place? Even if the FAI offered them €10 million a game, the more enlightened in the GAA wouldn't be in a position to accept it as it's against their rule book. In the meantime, no doubt the Government will hand up their no strings attached chequebook.

[Peadar]

For all our jumping up and down, has the FAI ever approached the GAA and put a proposal to that organisation?

If an office block management company had a rule stating that no IT Professionals were allowed to use the building, I wouldn't waste my time asking them if I could rent some office space.

[Dawn_Run]

It's like not buying a house because no vendor has come running to you begging you to take their property...

House has to be on the market first pal.

[blobbyblob]

why should the GAA cause ructions amongst their members

What ructions? In a previous congress, the 2/3s majority needed to overturn the motion was 1 vote short.

66% in any election would be considered a landslide victory. In GAA terms its a loophole for ignoring the popular consensus.

[Eire06]

I was always kinda 50 50 on this debate...
I always thought the FAI should pull the finger out and sort out getting a proper international stadium...

BUT if the GAA are allowing a bloody U2 concert to be in Croker they can not really put up a reasonable argument as to why the soccer or Rugby can't play there...
Unless there expecting U2 to sing all there songs as Gaeilge... :rolleyes:

[Eire06]

true its not their problem but if they want it opened up they could help, even so technically they wouldnt have to, the county board could inisist on it i.e. a simple example would be provide no transport etc. just make it difficult so it wouldnt actually look like the players themselves would be striking. its the most simple but strongest thing to do in this occasion.

I agree with Conor74 the GAA clubs shouldn't have to suffer in order for foot to be played there, why should they....

If the soccer\rugby supporters ect wanted to do something they could organise there own strike and picket the GAA offices or Croker on a match day... There's plenty of things that can be done it just needs a bit of imagination the FAI look like they are just sitting back and waiting for it to fall on there laps

[Dawn_Run]

I agree with Conor74 the GAA clubs shouldn't have to suffer in order for foot to be played there, why should they....

Nobody will suffer - strike is not the answer. I wouldn't expect you to go on strike for me if i was having a dispute at work! The key to this issue is tonights decision. If it doesnt go our way (which is highly likely) then we are reduced to playing 'home' internationals in the UK. This is sewn up by the GAA heirarchy. I'd like to know why this committee is comprised of the current GAA president and 'all living past presidents'?? No motion would get through that. Today, Sports development in Ireland is in their hands and i feel they are too set in their ways to see the enormous benefits that opening croker would bring.

[Macy]

The FAI and IRFU would make far more money playing in England than they would at Lansdowne, so bring it on. When the new Lansdowne is opened, the two associations will come back stronger financially, with the good will of more of the people of the country. It'll be an embarrassment, sure, but let all the ire fall back to the GAA and the Governments that have been happy to fund them (or bribe them to keep it closed in one particular case).

[gspain]

If the F.A.I. or the IRFU asked it would embarrass the GAA hence they don't.

It does appear that there is nothing in the GAA rules to prevent football from being played in Croke Park. however there is no way any GAA central council will sanction that without a vote at their congress.

There is no evidence that I'm aware of that Mulvihill is one of the bigots. He is quite an able operator and indeed was at the 1998 World Cup final on an F.A.I. ticket while there were GAA matches on back home. A friend of a friend used to manage Irish teams and couldn't get a ticket from the F.A.I. for that match and apparently was raging when he saw who got the tickets.
Mulvihill did help draft one of the motions that failed though so it's hard to know.

The real hardliners are Quinn, Fanning, Bootham, McCague and Con Murphy and possibly a couple more of the past presidents. Frank Murphy in Cork is another hardliner with the rest of the county board outdoing themselves to curry favour with him eg Dan Hoare "wouldn't let them into the carpark", John Motherway "men of 1916 etc etc".

Ultimately the GAA have a right to do what they like with their facilities. However this economy will lose hundreds of millions of euro if home rugby and football Internationals are moved abroad. The government should intervene at that stage and stop handing out money hand over fist to the GAA. Furthermore Diageo and Bank of Ireland and other main sponsors should be made aware of their customer's concerns re supporting such a sectarian organisation. Many people believe that Linfield ended their unwritten policy of not signing Catholics after pressure or assuemd pressure from Coca Cola among others. Any perceived sectarianism at Linfield is much more evident in the GAA which is openly and blatantly sectarian and openly supported Republican terrorists long before any hint of a ceasefire. Everyone knew what they meant when the said they support "the struggle for national liberation" and that came from the poor downtrodden and oppresed nationalist folk of Clare.

[blobbyblob]

Although its not a avenue that would be first on my list, could the government intervene to exercise the constitution.

Article 43

1. 1° The State acknowledges that man, in virtue of his rational being, has the natural right, antecedent to positive law, to the private ownership of external goods.

2° The State accordingly guarantees to pass no law attempting to abolish the right of private ownership or the general right to transfer, bequeath, and inherit property.

2. 1° The State recognises, however, that the exercise of the rights mentioned in the foregoing provisions of this Article ought, in civil society, to be regulated by the principles of social justice.

2° The State, accordingly, may as occasion requires delimit by law the exercise of the said rights with a view to reconciling their exercise with the exigencies of the common good.

This leads onto
DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF SOCIAL POLICY
Article 45

The principles of social policy set forth in this Article are intended for the general guidance of the Oireachtas. The application of those principles in the making of laws shall be the care of the Oireachtas exclusively, and shall not be cognisable by any Court under any of the provisions of this Constitution.

1. The State shall strive to promote the welfare of the whole people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice and charity shall inform all the institutions of the national life.

2. The State shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing:

i. That the citizens (all of whom, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood) may through their occupations find the means of making reasonable provision for their domestic needs.

ii. That the ownership and control of the material resources of the community may be so distributed amongst private individuals and the various classes as best to subserve the common good.

iii. That, especially, the operation of free competition shall not be allowed so to develop as to result in the concentration of the ownership or control of essential commodities in a few individuals to the common detriment.

[Dawn_Run]

English-Irish dictionaries are to blame - thats why Croker aint open.

[blobbyblob]

From todays Independant


Day of reckoning for Croker
Tuesday February 15th 2005

Kelly faces huge test as past-presidents go through the motions

SEÁN KELLY faces the biggest test of his GAA Presidency today when he chairs a crucial meeting of the Motions Committee which will decide if there is to be a debate at Congress in April on whether Croke Park should be rented to the IRFU and FAI for rugby and soccer internationals.

Eleven motions calling for a change of policy regarding the use of Croke Park have already been ruled out of order on technical grounds by the Motions Committee, who will now consider the re-submitted versions.

The eyes of the entire Irish sporting public will be focussed on the 12-man committee today as they study the amended motions, which have been very carefully drafted.

However, since the committee didn't specify precisely what was required to put the proposals in order, there is no guarantee that they won't reject them again.

Many counties understood that a decision taken at Special Congress last October meant that when a motion was deemed out of order, assistance would be provided to regularise it. However, that has not proved to be the case, leading to claims that the GAA's democratic structure is being undermined by a high-powered minority.

Former GAA President Jack Boothman angered many counties by remarking in an interview last week that the Motions Committee weren't going "to do all the homework for people who have had the past year to get their motions in order".

He also questioned the efficiency of those who submitted the motions. "What surprised me most is how some people are saying it's difficult to write proper motions. There have been huge, huge changes to the Association over the past 15 or 20 years and they were all brought about in the same fashion. So why should it be so difficult now? Are we getting a lesser type of official? It would be horrifying to think they don't even know the rules."

However, counties like Roscommon, Clare and Laois who have been to the forefront of the call to change Rule 42, have queried why there was no difficulty putting similar motions before Congress in 2001 and 2002.

Tommy Kenoy said that Roscommon had worked extremely hard on the re-submitted motion in an effort to have it accepted, but admitted they were uncertain if it would be deemed in order because they hadn't been informed what the Motions Committee wanted.

"We were told that as well as changing Rule 42, Rules 3, 4, 5, 43, and 44 needed to be amended. However, crucially we weren't told the precise amendments that were required," he said. "All we can do now is hope that in the interests of democracy and fair play, our motion is given a chance to be debated, as per the wishes of the Roscommon Convention," he said.

The other ten counties who submitted motions on Rule 42 are in a similar situation as they await the deliberations of the Motions Committee. It's a tense time too for Seán Kelly, who has been a long-time advocate of opening up Croke Park.

It would be a severe blow to his presidency if, for the second successive year, he failed to sway the Motions Committee into accepting proposals to discuss Rule 42.

"It's my view that the matter should be discussed at Congress," he said. "Obviously, motions calling for change have to be in order, but it's clearly the will of many counties that the use of Croke Park be debated in a calm, orderly fashion by Congress. I would have thought that in the interests of democracy, we have a duty to facilitate that debate," said Kelly.

The members of the Motions Committee are: Seán Kelly, Liam Mulvihill, Seán McCague, Joe McDonagh, Jack Boothman, Peter Quinn, Dr Mick Loftus, Paddy Buggy, Paddy McFlynn, Con Murphy, Pat Fanning, Seamus Ó Riain.

Martin Breheny - Irish Independant 15/02/05

[Dawn_Run]

"All we can do now is hope that in the interests of democracy and fair play, our motion is given a chance to be debated, as per the wishes of the Roscommon Convention,"

OK - this can go two ways, for and against.

Assuming the relevant rules are ammended, what kind of time frame do the FAI have to get in there with a proposal signed sealed and delivered?

If the rules arent changed, what then for Irish footy and rugby until the Lansdown is decorated? Millennium Stadium?

[Éanna]

has the FAI ever approached the GAA and put a proposal to that organisation?
could be wrong, but I thought the FAi said they would only make such an approach IF the GAA made a decision first, because they didn't want to put any pressure on them.

[blobbyblob]

According to the LRSDC (Lansdowne Rd Stadium Development Committee, not to be confused with the Lakes Region Sleigh Dog Committee, NH) website..Lansdowne has fixtures pencilled in all the way up to 27th November 2005.

I would assume that the stadium will close for development following that.. i could be wrong.

[jbyrne]

According to the LRSDC (Lansdowne Rd Stadium Development Committee, not to be confused with the Lakes Region Sleigh Dog Committee, NH) website..Lansdowne has fixtures pencilled in all the way up to 27th November 2005.

I would assume that the stadium will close for development following that.. i could be wrong.

the stadium will have to close fully for a minimum of 2 years and possibly more. lansdowne is a very tight site in a residential area so wont be an easy stadium to construct. i wouldnt be shocked if it took as much as 3 years to fully complete. it'll be late 2006 at the earliest before work starts and thats assuming theres no serious planning issues

[gspain]

No need for motions etc. Lansdowne will close for football before the start of the 2008 qualifying campaign and probably remain closed until the end of the 2010 qualifying campaign as far as football is concerned. Next year's 6 nations may well be ok for rugby due to planning delays.

If Croke Park is available then it will be used. I'm sure it will pass any FIFA/UEFA inspections. Not ideal given that one end will be empty and the pitch is much bigger for GAA than football but still our only local option.

I still can't see the GAA opening it up. It needs a 2/3rds majority and with Cork, Limerick, Tipperary already against, the 6 NI counties against it is hard to see it going through. Leinster and Connacht do appear to be reasonable and openminded.

No doubt it was significant that Bertie was there tonight on the news smiling with Sean kelly. It would appeare that Kelly has got the motion on the agenda.

[Metrostars]

Anyone know what happened?

From Aertel:

The motions committee met tonight to
vet the amended motions regarding Rule
42.

However, afterwards, GAA President Sean
Kelly refused to comment on whether or
not a motion to allow other sports
access to Croke Park will be debated at
this year's Annual Convention.

A press release will be issued in the
morning.

[deadman]

the motion has been passed through to congress - official word won't be given until tomorrow (Wednesday) but by the morning it'll probably be common knowledge

[tiktok]

the motion has been passed through to congress - official word won't be given until tomorrow (Wednesday) but by the morning it'll probably be common knowledge

Apparently the motion that'll be debated is for a temporary reprieve of the Rule, only while Landsdowne is undergoing it's reconstruction. Which is all we want I guess.

[blobbyblob]

the motion has been passed through to congress - official word won't be given until tomorrow (Wednesday) but by the morning it'll probably be common knowledge


I was under the impression that the Motions Committee's decision was being posted out to the respective county boards this morning and the truth wont be known until tomorrow (thursday).

Question. There was 11 proposals sent to the motions committee. If for example 5 motions were passed for discussion at congress, will there be 5 different votes on the same issue or how does it work. (I would assume that all 11 proposals will have variations and so require seperate votes)

[gspain]

Bertie Ahern and Sena Kelly were both shown smiling on the TV last night but wouldn't give anything away. Looks like Bertie intervened here.

The hardliners may have damaged their case by trying to keep the motion off the agenda. However it will still be very difficult to push it through.

[Donal81]

GAA Congress set to debate Rule 42

There was strong evidence last night that Rule 42 will be debated at the GAA's Congress next April.

Though a cloud of secrecy still surrounds the outcome of yesterday's meeting of the Motions Committee, comments from GAA president Seán Kelly suggested that at least one motion calling for Croke Park to be opened to other sports has been ruled in order and will finally go to the county delegates at Congress for a full debate.

Officially, however, the 10 counties which last week resubmitted their motions for final consideration will learn sometime today whether they've been successful in their efforts to get Rule 42 on to the Congress agenda. None of the relevant county secretaries had received any word either way when contacted last night, and instead are awaiting the formal notification from Croke Park, which is due to arrive this morning by email.

The temperament and body language of the GAA president following yesterday's lengthy meeting of the 12-man Motions Committee strongly suggested the positive outcome he was seeking.

"I can't make any formal comment," he said. "In fairness, we met as a committee, we've gone through all the motions, and we decided to say nothing until the counties involved were informed. That's the proper way to do business. I'm not going to say anything in the meantime.

"There will be a statement issued as soon as the counties are notified. But I can't give you any indication of how it went. No hints, no nods, no winks. Just take it as it comes now."

Kelly made his comments at another appointment in Dublin last night, shortly after the conclusion of the Motions Committee meeting which lasted most of yesterday afternoon. While not giving much away in his answers, he was clearly putting a positive face on the outcome of the proceedings.

"Well I'm always smiling," he added. "In life you must take all your ups and downs with a smile. "But it was a very long meeting. There were a lot of motions going through and I suppose in all it lasted about four hours.

"There were lots of motions, lots of very good motions and very interesting motions and they were all gone through thoroughly in accordance with the rules. Everything was done according to the rules."

It was then suggested to Kelly that he has been advocating the opening of Croke Park for rugby and soccer for some time, and by turning down the motions to amend Rule 42 at this stage the Motions Committee would in a way be undermining his position as president.

"I have never advocated it," he pointed out. "I said that I was in favour of it when I was asked and that is about the size of it."

The 10 motions resubmitted last Wednesday - Wicklow missed the deadline - varied in that some called for a permanent lift on the banning of other sports while others, such as Roscommon, called for a temporary lift, and more specifically for Croke Park to be opened for the IRFU and the FAI for the period when Lansdowne Road is closed.

Tommy Kenoy, who helped frame the Roscommon motion, was particularly confident last night that the debate was inevitable. "Right now, confidence is high that we will finally be successful," he said.

"With the depth of experience with the GAA people we were dealing with I would be confident we got it right, and very hopeful it got through."

It emerged yesterday that Roscommon's lengthy motion was meticulously drafted to meet the approval of the Motions Committee. They got the assistance of Niall Dolan of the Ramor United club in Cavan, a solicitor by profession, and they worked together with other experienced officials from a number of the other counties in putting the revamped motion together.

"We also addressed what Croke Park asked us, to amend five additional rules 3, 4, 5 and 43 and 44. We focused our attention on amending those rules as requested. So my gut feeling is that one motion will certainly make it in at the very least."

The 12 current members of the Motions Committee are president Seán Kelly, director general Liam Mulvihill, and former presidents Seán McCague, Joe McDonagh, Jack Boothman, Peter Quinn, Dr Mick Loftus, Paddy Buggy, Paddy McFlynn, Con Murphy, Pat Fanning, Seamus Ó Riain.



© The Irish Times/ireland.com

[Dawn_Run]

However it will still be very difficult to push it through.

Potentially but at least the FAI and IRFU are in a position now whereby they can make a serious revenue gernerating offer that GAA cant justify refusing.

[drummerboy]

If, and at the time of posting this, it is still a big IF, the motion is debated at Congress in April, what are the chances of the motion being carried, and if so, how soon could the stadium be allowed be used for Rugby and football.

[tiktok]

If, and at the time of posting this, it is still a big IF, the motion is debated at Congress in April, what are the chances of the motion being carried, and if so, how soon could the stadium be allowed be used for Rugby and football.

It will be voted on for a temporary reprieve
The motion needs a 2/3 majority which will be difficult, but should just about be passed
If passed I assume it'd be made available for use while landsdowne is closed, which I guess at this stage is summer '06

[blobbyblob]

It will be voted on for a temporary reprieve
The motion needs a 2/3 majority which will be difficult, but should just about be passed
If passed I assume it'd be made available for use while landsdowne is closed, which I guess at this stage is summer '06


Well, if you can get the the mindset of this temporary admittance being the lesser of two evils engrained in the county board officials at congress we could be onto a winner.

[blobbyblob]

Breaking News - Its offical. Shes going to congress.

[Macy]

The motion needs a 2/3 majority which will be difficult, but should just about be passed
Depends on whether some members need a "comfort break" during the vote this time. :rolleyes:

[Dawn_Run]

Breaking News - Its offical. Shes going to congress.

<from rte.ie>
Rule 42 to be debated at Annual Congress


GAA President Sean Kelly welcomes debate

Wednesday, February 16 2005 11:52
A motion regarding the GAA's controversial Rule 42 will be debated at this year's Annual Cogress, the GAA have confirmed today.

The decision sees the opening up of Croke Park to other sports, such as soccer, move a step closer.

These motions, which were earlier rejected, were approved as being in order by the Motions Committee having been revised and resubmitted by County Committees.


The GAA confirmed the decision in a statement which read: "A majority of resubmitted motions in regard to Rule 42 of the Association's Official Guide (use of Croke Park by other Sports) will be on the Association's Congress agenda on 15/16 April next."

"Seán Kelly, President of the GAA, stated that today's announcement is a clear vindication of the decision of last years Special Congress to introduce a more flexible process in dealing with motions."

"The President also stated that the decision taken by the Motions Committee is a manifestation of the members integrity, impartiality and objectivity."

The GAA have come under increased pressure to open up Croke Park to soccer in particular as redevelopment on Lansdowne Road could see the Irish national soccer team forced to play home games abroad in Croke Park is closed to them.

[blobbyblob]

Just taken from RTE.ie


Just beat me to it...

Step 1 complete...Off the Godfathers conscience

[Eirambler]

Well done Roscommon, I can't say I'm a huge fan of the place, but they certainly got their sh!t together for this one.

I think the fact that its temporary should see it through, by the time LR is finished the GAA might be prepared to go another step.

Does anyone know if this will now mean there are two motions - one for temporary opening and one for permanent opening?

[Donal81]

Does anyone know when the congress is taking place?

[Junior]

f you, what f do you know about roscommon, tis a great place, i knew they would.

to name but a few well known rossies:

douglas hyde,
johnathan swift,
sir william wilde
and of course ming.

Roscommon bringing the gaa and ireland as a whole into the 21st century.

How could you miss out Franky Dolan - Some rossie you are :D

[Donal81]

to name but a few well known rossies:

douglas hyde,
johnathan swift,
sir william wilde
and of course ming.

Roscommon bringing the gaa and ireland as a whole into the 21st century.

I agree with the last part but I always read that Swift was a Dub through and through, born and reared. What's the Roscommon connection? Thanks for the congress info.

[Dawn_Run]

that bird in the tarzan movies was from boyle as well, she was well fit.

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/irfane/Fonds%20Tarzan%204.jpg

yeh - well fit alright!!

[blobbyblob]

The GAAs own media and PR advisors have warned voting county boards that there will be a huge public backlash if they prevent the FAI and IRFU from using Croke Park...

The voice of reason...

[Eire06]

The GAAs own media and PR advisors have warned voting county boards that there will be a huge public backlash if they prevent the FAI and IRFU from using Croke Park...

The voice of reason...

Heard that alright this morn on the news, Apparently there was a survey done and people said they would boycott the GAA if they made soccer go over seas

[Dawn_Run]

Tipperary county board votes in favour of Rule 42 motion 62 votes to 16 to give the GAA central council authority to open croker while lansdown is being renovated.

Another step in the right direction. :D

[blobbyblob]

Thats the first county board changing their mind. 5 out 6 munster county boards (with the exception of Kerry) have voted against the proposal on all previous occasions.

[blobbyblob]

The Countdown begins - 12 days to go

[gspain]

The Countdown begins - 12 days to go

Tipperary is a huge surprise. Still can't see it happening however Paddy Power will be the best indicator of the GAA's mood in the next 2 weeks.

[blobbyblob]

11 days to go - the decision will go down in history. I wish the people responsible for making the decision all the best

[Dawn_Run]

Has anyone heard the sports bulletin on rte radio this morning? Des Cahill was on about some 'interesting' Croke Park developments. I only caught the tail end of it. Anyone hear it?

[gspain]

Has anyone heard the sports bulletin on rte radio this morning? Des Cahill was on about some 'interesting' Croke Park developments. I only caught the tail end of it. Anyone hear it?

Meath and Donegal are both backing the campaign to open up Croke Park.

There appears to be a groundswell of opinion in favour or is it the usual positive media stuff wanting it to happen.

[Dawn_Run]

Meath and Donegal are both backing the campaign to open up Croke Park.

There appears to be a groundswell of opinion in favour or is it the usual positive media stuff wanting it to happen.

Definitely lots in favour - Tipperary jumping on board was a shock. I think the majority will follow suit - well - hopefully anyway