THE Gaelic Athletic Association will not be represented when several lending sporting bodies make presentations to the Formn for Peace and Reconciliation in Dublin Castle tomorrow.
The GAA cites "logistical reasons and a shortage of time as, the reasons for its absence. It first, received an invitation to the forum last October 26th.
The Irish Football Association, the controlling body for soccer in the North, and the Northern Ireland Sports Council have refused invitations to attend the forum. It is believed both do not wish to be seen in a political context as they serve both communities in the North.
Presentations to the forum will be made by Mr Eamon Doherty, the chairman of Cospoir; Mr Louis Kilcoyne, president of the Football Association of Ireland; Dr Syd Millar, president of the Irish Rugby Football Union; Mr Pat Hickey, president of the Olympic Council of Ireland; Ms Mary Logue, an Irish hockey international player; and Mr Trevor Coyle, a member of the Irish showjumping team.
The GAA yesterday said its management committee had considered the invitation and would be happy to accept. Its statement then went on: "However, for logistical reasons, they [the management committee] felt that the time available, in terms of the preparation of a suitable submission, was too short."
The GAA now says it will attend any session after mid April. "The GAA wishes to reiterate that it would unreservedly welcome an opportunity to participate in a forum session when it is in a position to make a full, comprehensive and meaningful contribution."
Sources close to the GAA believe the association is anxious to get its annual congress, due in early April, out of the way before any presentation.
Yesterday, the chairwoman of the forum, Judge Catherine McGuinness, said she was glad the role of sport in reconciliation was being examined. "Sport plays a most important part in the social and cultural life of Ireland, North and South. Participation in, and attendance at, a wide range of sporting occasions have fulfilled a central role in creating and developing understanding between people on both parts of this island and between communities in Northern Ireland."