Central Council may halt International Rules series

Central Council will have the power to pull the plug on the International Rules series at Saturday's meeting in Croke Park.

While it still appears more likely a final decision will be deferred until after the GAA sit down with their AFL counterparts early next year, opinion against the continuation of the series could prove fervent enough to bring about a cessation.

It's also possible that Management Committee, who meet on Friday evening, will make a recommendation to Central Council to defer any final decision to another day. However, the mood among the Central Council delegates is known to be strongly opposed to any immediate future of the series.

"It certainly is within their power to call a halt straight away," explained press officer Danny Lynch. "Central Council make decisions on all GAA policy in between Congresses that don't require rule changes, and this is one of those situations. But it's definitely on the agenda for debate.

"Essentially there are three options at this stage. There could be an immediate cessation, a cessation for maybe a year or two, or they could defer a decision until after meeting with the AFL."

President Nickey Brennan, has already gone on the record several times questioning the future of the series, stating, among other things, that it was "hanging by a thread".

And such a decision to call a halt is not unprecedented, with Central Council involved in the decision to end the series back in 1990 after interest from both the Irish and Australian ends waned considerably. Even at this stage, however, it's still hard to predict the outcome of Saturday's meeting.

One Central Council member certain to advocate the continuation of the series is Dessie Farrell, chief executive of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA). Yet Farrell admitted the mood for an immediate cessation appears to be very strong.

"I suppose the big question is whether or not the GAA will hold off until they meet with the Australians," said Farrell. "And I would be a little surprised if they cut all ties before that took place. But I think from comments of the past number of weeks it is fairly obvious that Central Council are anxious for the series to be terminated, and I've no doubt that will be vocalised very strongly on Saturday.

"So I suppose I'm just one lone voice in a very big hall. I'd be of the opinion that the series does have a future, but to try to sell that idea to so many dissenting voices is another story. I'd still be very surprised if an actual decision is made on the day. It depends on what the issue is, but sometimes Management Committee does make a recommendation. Although I think if it's left entirely up to Central Council then it's a done deal."

Last month, a joint statement from the GPA and their counterparts the AFLPA voiced their "collective support for a continuation of the International Rules series".

"We sought comment from all team members", said Farrell. "And the support for the continuation of the series was fairly comprehensive. They're the ones willing to go out and do battle, and there's no doubt in their mind that if the issue of indiscipline is properly addressed then the series does have a future. Unfortunately that discipline didn't hold up for the series this year, nor last year, and I suppose that's the key issue here.

"I think if we cut all ties with the AFL we're opening ourselves to an increase in poaching of our young players, whereas if we have ties with the AFL that's more easily curtailed or restricted."

SUNDAY'S FIXTURES

Munster Club FC final: Dr Crokes (Kerry) v The Nire (Waterford), Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2.0, J Keaney (Cork).

Munster Club IHC final: Bishopstown (Cork) v Clooney-Quin (Clare), Gaelic Grounds, 2.0, J O'Mahony (Limerick).

Munster Club JHC final: Kilworth (Cork) v Knockshegowna (Tipperary), Bruff, 2.0, M O'Connor (Limerick).

Leinster Club IFC final: Confey (Kildare) v Tubber (Offaly), Confey, 2.0, S Carroll (Westmeath).

Leinster Club JFC final: Park Ratheniska (Laois) v St Ultan's (Meath), Park Ratheniska, 2.0, B O'Shea (Dublin).

Leinster Club JHC final: Knockbridge (Louth) v Danesfort (Kilkenny), Dundalk, 2.0, F Devereux (Kildare).

Connacht Club JFC final: Killala (Mayo) v Clifden (Galway), Ballina, 2.20, P Carney (Roscommon).