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30 April 1998 Edition

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Sportsview: GAA should stand by Rule 21

With all the debate raging on the so-called Good Friday Agreement, the GAA's Rule 21 has been dragged into the euphoria and hype. Rule 21 is the rule that forbids members of the Crown forces from playing the national games or from being members of the association. It states: ``Members of the British armed forces and police shall not be eligible for membership of the association. A member of the association, participating in dances or similar entertainment promoted by or under the patronage of such bodies, shall incur a suspension of at least three months.''

The GAA is a sporting oragnisation. The GAA also promotes Irish culture and language. Most GAA members, while maybe not being rabid republicans, are nationalist and at least nationally minded. There is now a push on to get rid of the rule as it is perceived by some elements as the ``right time'' for such a move.

Placed at the centre of the recent debate is Crossmaglen GAA grounds. The British Army have occupied a section of their grounds for the last 27 years for ``security'' reasons. Bertie Ahern has raised the issue with the GAA. Speaking at a GAA Congress banquet last week, he said there would be movement from the Britsh on the occupation of Crossmaglen Rangers' grounds by the British Army. This, strangely enough, was hours after the decision to call a special congress to discuss Rule 21. A trade off of army withdrawal from Crossmaglen pitch for Rule 21 maybe?

The facts are the British Army should vacate the GAA grounds in Cross immediately, pending total withdrawal from the community. A trade-off for the two is totally imcompatible and ridiculous.

A look at the bigger picture and the reasons for the continuing existence of it remain. Nothing in the Good Friday Agreement suggests a withdrawal of the Brish forces of occupation or the immediate disbandment of their surrogates in the RUC. The GAA, as already stated, is a nationalist sporting body. How can it equate that with letting members of the crown forces become GAA members?

Members of the GAA have paid the ultimate price in the Six Counties not only for their nationalist beliefs but for their playing of the national games. Ten years ago GAA member Aidan McAnespie was gunned down by a British soldier while crossing the border to a GAA match. The same crown forces, as republicans know all too well, are up to their necks in collusion with loyalist death sqauds. It has and is constantly harassing members of the GAA. Two GAA members, Seán Brown from Derry and Gerry Devlin from North Belfast were murdered by such death squads in the last six months. GAA property has also been constantly attacked.

And what of the unionists accusation that the rule is sectarian? It does not preclude Protestants. It was never intended to be sectarian. That is not the object of the rule.

Anyway, could you imagine the security operation that would have to be mounted if any of these people turned out for a GAA club in the Six Counties?

National League Final


Congratulations to the men from the Faithful County after their league win over Derry last Sunday. Offaly secured their first ever Natonal League title at Croke Park in atrocious conditions. A team to watch for the championship.

BY CIARAN HEAPHEY

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