This weekend's annual GAA Congress will be dominated by the debate on Rule 42, which prohibits the playing of other sports on the association's grounds, and there is already a feeling that the motions for change will not be backed by the requisite two-thirds majority.

A failure by delegates to implement what has been promoted as a progressive, altruistic series of measures which would prove financially lucrative to the GAA would inevitably provoke a prolonged volley of criticism. It would be interpreted in some circles as further proof of the GAA's isolationist nature.

Some of these criticisms will be voiced by those genuinely frustrated that the reluctance to rent out Croke Park, given that its redevelopment costs have spiralled about £39 million beyond initial estimates. Others will use a no vote as a vehicle to air their own vitriolic sentiments about the GAA.

But the GAA has stood resolute in such situations before and can point to its reasons. But what are they? What are the fears?

"I think that the main worry is in relation to what would happen at local level," said Sean Walsh, the Kerry county board chairman who is against the motion originally tabled by the Chill Mhor club from Roscommon.

"Club members would be concerned about their own grounds, which, in most cases are in constant heavy demand. There is a feeling that opening up Croke Park to other sports would have an inevitable domino effect and it would place us in an extremely invidious position." Walsh, like many others who have reservations about the motion, candidly admits that it makes financial sense. In fact, Walsh has expressed the view that if such a motion is to become a reality, it would be expedient to pass it now, before the proposed national stadium becomes a reality. But across the country, financing Croke Park comes a distant second to the running of clubs.

"It should be pointed out also that for most clubs, the financial benefits from opening up Croke Park would be nil," says Cork vice-chairman Jim Forbes.

"Paying for the stadium will come first. At local level, an awful lot of voluntary work has been done to achieve the standard of grounds that exist. And these grounds are very busy. A situation whereby another community member requested use of the ground for their own sport would make for a very awkward situation."

At any level, this debate is essentially a clash of fiscal pragmatism against fundamental ideology, however unfashionable. Donal McCormack, the Down county secretary, unequivocally admits that he "would have difficulty with allowing non-nationalist organisations to play in Croke Park, particularly partitionist organisations."

Although aware of the financial incentives behind this new drive for an open policy, McCormack argues that "money isn't everything."

Radio debates are certain to revolve around this issue next week and if the motions for amendment to Rule 42 fall short, the GAA will take a battering.

"Look, the Church and the GAA will always be criticised. It is the nature of people to criticise the biggest and the best," says Donal McCormack. "I wouldn't worry about that. The organisation won't be split by this. The GAA has overcome far too many difficulties for that to happen."

As Jim Forbes points out, there is little of substance to criticise. Nothing regressive will have happened. Rule 42 has always been there.

"Rules are rules, every association has them and abides by them. It is up to Congress to decide whether or not this should be amended. And if it is, then all members will adjust to that."