GAA Central Council will have the power to decide on the use of Croke Park by other sporting codes after the motion was passed by a two thirds majority at Annual Congress at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, Co Down, this morning.
GAA president Christy Cooney stressed the motion applied to “no other GAA facility”, just to Headquarters.
Cork delegate Bob Honohan was highly critical of the motion, while former president Seán Kelly spoke in its favour.
Croke Park was opened to soccer and rugby in 2005 for the duration of the construction of the Aviva Stadium at Lansdowne Road, but the €36,000,000 profit made by the association in that time has swayed opinion in favour of retaining the option.
However, now that the Aviva Stadium is on the verge of completion, and the FAI and IRFU are contractually obliged to play there, the GAA's premier facility will not be in as much demand.
Nevertheless, Cooney said this morning the 2005 decision to open the stadium's door has been very positive for the association and there was no reason to rule out the prospect of external revenue streams by shutting out other sports.
“The use of our club properties is governed in rule and is unambiguous. Our facilities are for use by our teams for the promotion of our games only and this stipulation, which is clearly outlined in the official guide, must be adhered to by all of our units, regardless of what level they operate at,” Cooney said today.
“My views on the use of Croke Park were well known in the run up to the vote to temporarily amend Rule 42 in 2005, but I think anyone would find it hard to argue that opening up the stadium to other sporting codes has not had a positive effect on the association for a variety of reasons.
“I am acutely aware of the presence of a number of motions on the Clár today in relation to the ongoing use of the Páirc An Chrócaigh. However, I must stress that these propose to oversee the management of Croke Park and Croke Park only. They concern no other GAA facility.”
Congress also voted in favour of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) being granted formal recognition on a permanent basis by the GAA.
The motion, which was backed by former presidents Nicky Brennan and Kelly, formally recognises the players’ association after an “interim agreement” was reached last November.
Mark Conway, Tyrone, spoke out strongly against the motion.
"I believe we can work together and maintain both our amateur ethos and the importance of the volunteer in a modern vibrant association focused on delivering the best possible playing experience for our players at all levels. We have already announced some key joint initiatives in this area,” said Cooney.
In urging the motion to be passed, Brennan said: “I want to now strongly recommend that we formally recognise the GPA.”
Kelly added: “We would be going backwards at an almighty rate if we didn’t give the players representation.”
GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell insisted the motion in no way threatened the amateur status of the GAA.
“We’ve seen the disharmony that can be caused by disputes between players and County Boards; this step will go a long way to ensure that this doesn’t happen again,” said Farrell.
“This is a vote in favour of player welfare and it is a very important signal to send out to our players.”
The introduction of a clock/hooter system to signal the conclusion of a game was also ratified.
Proposed by Wexford and backed by Westmeath, it means a new timing system will be implemented on a trial basis in the 2011 Allianz GAA National Leagues.
A proposal from Tipperary to reward a scoring sideline cut with two points was rejected.
Mayo’s proposal calling on the mandatory wearing of gum shields in games and training sessions “up to and including Minor level” was withdrawn, but will be referred to the Medical Advisory Committee for discussion and reviewed in time for Congress in 2011.