The prospect of Croke Park being opened to soccer and rugby moved a step closer to becoming a reality today after the GAA's Congress decided to curb the power of the association's Motions Committee.
The Motions Committee, which includes former GAA presidents and other ex-officers, this year prevented discussion of motions calling for the removal of Rule 42, which bans non-GAA sports from being played at Headquarters. It ruled that motions from eight counties were 'out of order.'
Delegates at today's Special Congress, however, voted to change this procedure. Under the new regulations, the Motions Committee will still be able to rule motions 'out of order', but now a county will be informed in writing what exactly was wrong with their submission. The county in question can then re-submit its amended motion.
It, therefore, seems extremely likely that Rule 42 will be the subject of a vote or votes at next April's annual Congress.
