A Sligo motion to amend the GAA's controversial Rule 42 was passed at annual congress today by 227 votes to 97. Soccer and rugby will be played at Croke Park when the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road begins.
The motion requested giving Central Council the power to authorise the renting or leasing of Croke Park in certain circumstances for events other than those controlled by the association during a period when Lansdowne Road is closed for the proposed redevelopment.
Today's vote, which required a two-thirds majority, was by secret ballot. A Tyrone proposal to conduct the vote in such a manner was passed earlier by 165 votes to 153. This method of voting was deemed by some to favour the 'No' campaign.
The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Mr John O'Donoghue paid tribute to GAA president Sean Kelly for his leadership on what he called "a very important and sensitive issue."
"I would like to commend the GAA's annual Congress on the positive decision it has taken today," he said.
"This is a hugely significant gesture, which will benefit all Irish sporting fans in ensuring the way is open to accommodate forthcoming important international soccer and rugby fixtures here on Irish soil.
He continued: "I am confident that its temporary use for soccer and rugby will cement the public's respect for our largest sporting organisation and place gaelic games on an even stronger footing, both at home and internationally."
Seven Rule 42 motions were listed for debate. Most of these were accompanied by strict conditions that opening Croke Park should be during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road only.
Cavan, Clare, Kerry, Longford, Roscommon and Wicklow withdrew their Rule 42 motions to support Sligo's proposal.
Plans to redevelop Lansdowne Road into a state-of-the-art, 50,000 all-seater stadium were rubber-stamped last September. It is anticipated building work will start late next year with construction to finish by the end of 2008.
But, until the plans, which won't be submitted to the planning authorities until the end of this year, are given the green light, a firm commitment on completion can not be guaranteed.
The development, under which the Government will meet €191 million of the costs, the IRFU €68 million and the FAI €33 million, will be taken forward by Lansdowne Road Stadium Development Company Ltd.
Today's landmark decision paves the way for the national rugby and soccer teams to play international games at Croke Park. Had the motion been defeated, both codes faced playing 'home' internationals in Britain.
While insisting that Croke Park's availability was solely a matter for the GAA, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) reacted positively to today's decision.
"The FAI welcomes the decision of the GAA to enable the consideration of Croke Park's availability to other sports through its Central Council in certain circumstances," a statement read.
"While decisions relating to our home games due to take place when Lansdowne Road is under redevelopment are some way off, we welcome the fact that Croke Park may become available at that time."
An IRFU statement read: "The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has always stated that during the proposed redevelopment of Lansdowne Road that it would investigate its options of temporary accommodation, both inside and outside the country, taking account of the logistical and commercial perspectives.
"The Union respects that the availability of Croke Park was entirely at the discretion of the GAA and its members and appreciates and welcomes the change in policy that Croke Park may now become available for the staging of other sporting events."
Last September, an
Irish Times / TNS mrbi poll found public opinion was overwhelming in favour of Croke Park opening its doors to other sports with 80 per cent in favour.
In other motions, the 'clean pick-up' in football has been abolished while goalkeepers' use of the plastic tee for kickouts will be optional. There will also be no 'mark' in football.
Also, the use of helmets is now mandatory in all hurling grades up to and including under-21 level.