07/11/2001

Donegal GAA County Board vote to scrap Rule 21

Donegal has become the first Ulster County to back the abolition of the Gaelic Athletic Association’s controversial Rule 21 which bans members of the British Army from playing Gaelic games.

While, three Ulster counties - Derry, Fermanagh and Armagh - have voted to keep the rule, the other Ulster boards have yet to decide how they will vote at the GAA’s special congress on 17 November.

Donegal's decision has strengthened the growing feeling that GAA president Sean McCague will succeed in getting the rule deleted.

In 1998, Donegal delegates voted to retain the ban on British security forces. But at the County Board meeting held on Tuesday November 6, the members overwhelmingly voted for its removal, with 34 for and four against.

When the decisive vote is taken at the special congress, a two-thirds majority is required for change.

There are 34 votes - the 32 counties in Ireland, plus London and New York. (AMcE)

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