NYGAA: N.Y. vote to keep Rule 42; season opens Sunday

A much closer vote had been anticipated with both positive and negative views having been expressed at the previous week’s meeting. In fact, a random sampling of delegate’s opinions after the earlier meeting was virtually split down the middle.
Also somewhat surprisingly was the tone of the meeting. Association Secretary Larry McCarthy described the debate as “calm and businesslike,” where fireworks might reasonably have been expected.
New York GAA Chairman Seamus Dooley was one of those who spoke against altering Rule 42 and he may have swayed some voters with his simple, if colorful argument.
To illustrate his feelings that the other organization should build their own stadium, Dooley compared the IRFU and the FAI to cuckoos. Like cuckoos, Dooley said, “soccer and rugby expect someone else to build their nest for them.”
“But,” the Chairman continued, “the GAA built Croke Park and soccer should build their own nest.”

SUNDAY SCHEDULE
The 2005 seasons opens with a full slate of games Sunday at Gaelic Park. Here’s the schedule: 1 p.m., JFA, Rockland vs. Stamford; 2:30, SFA KO, Mayo vs. Clare; 4, SFA KO, Kerry vs. Leitrim; 5:30, SFB, Cork vs. Sligo.

ALL-IRELAND TUNE-UPS
The New York Senior Football team will be playing two important challenge matches versus Clare next week. With Galway coming to town on May 15, these tune-ups will give New York’s new management team, headed by Barry O’Neill, a chance to evaluate their charges. The matches will be Tuesday, April 19, and Saturday, April 24. Both will be at 5 p.m. at Gaelic Park.

O’DRISCOLL RETURNS TO IRELAND
In another recurring theme of the off-season, several more players have been transferred back to their Irish clubs. With players at a premium, all of them will be missed, but New York Gaels will be particularly disappointed to learn of Bingo O’Driscoll’s departure.
Both the New York county team and the Kerry club will sorely miss O’Driscoll’s services, but no more so than the Gaelic Park patrons who thrilled so often to his displays of brilliance.
O’Driscoll had a fine resume under his belt when he arrived from Annascaul, Co. Kerry, having played for the Kingdom at all grades. He was soon a New York fan favorite, equally adept at scoring from play and from frees, with either foot.
Single-name status was soon his and you only had to say Bingo to GAA followers in New York and that was enough. Now the veteran heads back to Annascaul and those of us who enjoyed his performances over the years can only wish him well.

RIGS REPORT POSTPONED
The Randalls Island issue was put off yet again at last Thursday’s weekly GAA meeting. The Randalls Island Gaelic Sports (RIGS) lawyers have been scheduled to address the New York GAA delegates but it has been postponed on several occasions now.