Worth opening gates for windfall

A combination of financial pragmatism and an underlying degree of goodwill inform the motions for an end to the GAA's Rule 42, which denies the use of association grounds to other sports.

Although the extensive redevelopment to Croke Park leaves the GAA with a state-of-the-art facility which is a shining credit to an amateur sports body, it also carries severe financial repercussions.

It is estimated that annual maintenance of the £275 million stadium will total £2.5 million, eating into the vast majority of the summer gate yields (approx £3 million).

That Croke Park lies dormant for almost half a year renders the financial strain especially difficult to countenance. Opening up the venue to soccer and rugby could reap around £4 million in added revenue, according to the latest estimates.

"Croke Park is a business, with extremely high overheads and it has to be treated that way," summarised Pat Dunphy of Kilkenny, a county that has been extremely positive in support.

It ought to be highlighted that, of the three separate motions tabled in relation to Rule 42, it is the amendment proposed by Roscommon club Cill Mhor referring exclusively to the opening of Croke Park that is most likely to be receive the positive votes.

"The motion forwarded by Longford proposed the opening of all grounds. I can't see that receiving a very wide backing," offered John McConnell, chairman of the Donegal county board, which has also come out in favour of opening Croke Park.

"The wording of the Roscommon motion is appealing in that it creates a loophole rather than setting a precedent. The reality is that a lot of GAA clubs would have a worry about the consequences at local level.

And even in relation to Croke Park, the truth is that if there were two separate motions tabled, one proposing rugby and one proposing soccer, rugby would most likely receive a more favourable vote.

But there is a feeling that if the GAA doesn't make some sort of gesture now, if it doesn't demonstrate an element of openness at this point, then our hands will be tied when it comes to the matter of funding from government at some point down the line."

As many members see it, the demand for a modern stadium has provided the GAA with an opportunity which, due to the looming plans for Stadium Ireland, is finite.

"I don't think many believe that allowing rugby and soccer into Croke Park will lead to the shelving of Abbotstown. That certainly wouldn't govern the voting process," says Pat Dunphy.

"It is, basically, an economic initiative and the time to act upon it is now. The chances are that the national stadium will happen and, after that, this argument will be academic."

The implicit suggestion is that financial requirement has prompted support of the Roscommon motion more so than a wish to paint the GAA as an all-liberal, all sporting entity.

Those who will vote yes this weekend empathise and even share the fears of their colleagues who are lobbying for the preservation of Rule 42.

This rule permits the "playing of games controlled by the Association and for such purposes not in conflict with the Aims and Objectives of the Association, that may be sanctioned from time to time by Central Council."

Traditionally, other sports were seen as conflicting with the GAA's objective of promoting its games and culture. While recent times have seen more lax attitudes, GAA members will admit to being wary of the spectre of soccer and other sports with potential mass appeal.

Most kids play a variety of sports and the GAA is ever-conscious and vigilant about guarding its status at local level. However, some feel the time is right for a change of attitude.

"The instance when Omagh wanted to play Manchester United on the gaelic grounds for a highly publicised charity facility but couldn't because of Rule 42 reflected very badly on the association," offers Pat McCarrick, the Gratten Og (Longford) member who drafted the most extensive of the motions, allowing for the opening of all grounds to other sports.

As McCarrick sees it, opening Croke Park only can be interpreted as a blatantly financially motivated gesture.

He does not feel that opening up all grounds would lead to clubs being swamped with demands from other sports. "It should be stressed that every application has to be approved by Central Council."

But McCarrick is reconciled to the fact that the Cill Mhor motion will be more palatable to the essentially moderate forces that govern congress.

To many members, mere debate on the prospect of soccer on the turf of Croke Park represents a radical illustration of the GAA's willingness to embrace a liberal stance.

Whether they will be bold enough to support the amendment with the necessary two thirds majority is the issue.

The prediction is that the supporting vote will fall short of that. Such a result will lead to denunciations from other sporting bodies. Will it also be judged a black day by some members of the association?

"I wouldn't put it as strongly as that," responds John McConnell. "But it will be regarded as an opportunity lost and one which could have serious financial implications at all levels.

And it will also lead to more of the type of criticism and accusations that has been levelled at the GAA in the past."