The GAA has voted unanimously in favour of abolishing Rule 21 following a special Congress at the City West Hotel in Dublin this afternoon. The decision, which was supported by two-thirds of the delegates, means that for the first time members of Northern Ireland's security forces will be able to join the organisation. The meeting was held in camera and the outcome was decided by a show of hands.
Delegates from Tyrone, Antrim and Armagh are believed to have spoken out against the proposal. In total only six speakers participated in the discussion and after a debate, that lasted less than an hour and a half, the rule was deleted. The decision has been welcomed by politicians North and South of the border. In a statement this evening, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said: "As a life-long and deeply committed supporter of the GAA, I genuinely believe that the time had come to take this significant step and I am pleased the Association has done so."
Mr Ahern added that the Good Friday Agreement and the policing arrangements that are being put in place in the North are creating the environment where Nationalists and Unionists can live together on the basis of partnership and mutual respect. The Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid described the GAA decision as "a progressive decision made by an association that plays a large and important role in community life North and South".
On the pitch, Faythe Harriers of Wexford beat Knockbridge of Laois by 4-11 to 0-05 in the Leinster Club Hurling Championship, while in the Munster Club Football Championship, Fethard of Tipperary overcame Drom-Broadford of Limerick by 1-09 to 0-09. In the O Byrne Cup, Carlow beat Meath 2-11 to 0-13.
Filed by Shane Murray
