Sir, - At the GAA Annual Congress in 1995 it was decided, on the initiative of the Central Council at its meeting on the very eve of Congress, to sideline a Dublin motion that called for the removal of Rule 21 on the ground that "the time wasn't right". Surely the time is right now in view of the momentous decision in Belfast on Good Friday. Rule 21 reads: "Members of the British armed forces and police shall not be eligible for membership of the Association. A member of the Association participating in dances or similar entertainment promoted by or under the patronage of such bodies shall incur suspension of at least three months."
In Croke Park last Sunday the Taoiseach, who was present, was congratulated over the public address system for his part in promoting the Belfast agreement. The applause was loud and long. In The Irish Times of April 11th, 1995 - the day after congress - Fr Denis Faul, Mary McAleese, Gerry Adams and others were quoted in relation to the congress decision to defer consideration of the Dublin motion on Rule 21. Gerry Adams agreed with the decision. The same Gerry Adams appealed publicly for inclusiveness in Northern Ireland on Good Friday evening. I wonder if he agrees that Rule 21 should be dropped at Congress this weekend in the interest of inclusiveness.- Yours, etc.,
Tom Woulfe
Victoria Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6.