Shadow hangs over motions

GAA ANNUAL REPORT: The shadow of the struck down motions on Rule 42 hung over yesterday's release of the motions list of next week's annual GAA congress.

President Seán Kelly reiterated that he would not be facilitating the re-introduction of a motion calling for a plebiscite of club members, as the deadline was gone.

Asked about the next move in the controversy, Kelly said: "I won't be specifying my ideas on this. There are lessons to be learned. When clubs are asked and encouraged to discuss motions, I feel we have an obligation to make it less difficult to get motions on the clár." Proposals on the potential opening of Croke Park to other sports were ruled out of order three weeks ago by the Motions Committee, apparently on the grounds that amendments to Rule 5 (which upholds the aims of the association) hadn't been specified.

In response to being asked did he personally believe Rule 5 to be in any way relevant to the motions in question, Kelly declined to say: "I won't answer that question".

Acting Director General and GAA PRO Danny Lynch suggested that one way out would be for counties in future to propose deletion of Rule 5. It was also reiterated that the substantive issue could be debated at Friday night's congress session, as it is referred to in the Director General's report. But no vote would be taken.

Of the motions that have survived the principal one relates to the proposed championship reforms of the Hurling Development Committee. It is proposed that they be adopted for an experimental two-year period.

An opposing motion from Cork, which seeks to adopt formally as rule the current championship structure, will require a two-thirds majority whereas the experimental proposal only needs a simple majority.

Other motions of significance include that: helmets be made compulsory for all hurlers up to and including minor grade (proposed by Central Council): the term of office of Central Council and Provincial Council delegates be restricted to five years (Wexford): the moratorium until 2010 on playing rules changes be abandoned, allowing rules amendments to be discussed next year (Down): a work group be established to review the functions and procedures of the Games Administration Committee (Tyrone): GAC be expanded by two members and its functions divided between fixtures and disciplinary matters (Louth).