Efforts to remove the controversial Rule 21, which prevents members of the RUC and British security forces joining the GAA, have met with a setback after the county boards of Armagh and Derry voted to retain the ruling.
It is understood the two counties voted by substantial majorities at County Board meetings last night in favour of keeping the rule in place.
"It was a clear cut decision and the Derry delegates at the special congress in Dublin on November 17th will cast their votes accordingly," according to Derry PRO Mr Gerry Donnelly.