Compromise Rules finally beats itself to a halt

The Compromise International Football Rules series between Australia and Ireland have been suspended and the competition will not be continued in 2007, according to the GAA.

Following a meeting of the GAA Central Council on December 9th, the Association released a press statement:

"The future of the International Rules was discussed at a Central Council meeting in Croke Park on Saturday, December 9. Delegates spoke both strongly in favour and against the continuation of the International Rules Series following the incidents in the Second Test between Ireland and Australia on November 5th.

"The President, Nickey Brennan, stated that the issue had been considered by the Management Committee at length and that a consultation process had taken place with players and the Irish Team Management. He stated that he had also spoken at length to the CEO of the AFL. He revealed that about 50% of players contacted had given their views and that they were all in favour of the Series continuing, as was the Irish Team Manager, Seán Boylan and his Selectors.

"He explained however that they made it clear that any continuation must be contingent on a structure, rules and an implementation process and procedure be put in place to ensure that any future Series was conducted to the accepted norms of sportsmanship.

"The President stated that the Australians appeared to accept that this was a necessary prerequisite to any consideration of the future of the Series.

"On the recommendation of the Management Committee, it was agreed that there would be no Junior or Senior Series of games in 2007.

"It was agreed that a document would be prepared by the GAA, which would put on record the basis of structure, rules, their implementation and penalties on which the future of any Series must be considered. This document will be brought back to Central Council for decision after which it will be forwarded to the AFL for their consideration.

"If the GAA’s terms, as outlined in this document, are acceptable to the AFL, then discussions on the future of the Series could take place.

"Dessie Farrell, the player’s representative stated that while there would be some disappointment amongst players that the 2007 Series will not take place, the decision was, in his view, probably a wise one."

The International Rules series was marred by a number of incidents on the pitch including fist-fighting in the 2006 season. The game, which is a cross between Australian football rules and Gaelic Athletic Association rules, is played only between Australia and Ireland and has a history of robust (some might say violent) play.

Next Compromise Rules game not expected to be marred by sportsmanship

Croke Park is the venue this Sunday 5th November for the final match in the Compromise Rules series between Ireland and visitors Australia.

The first encounter last week in Galway on October 28th was entirely spoiled when both teams engaged in football. Fans were left in open astonishment as players helped each other up after tackles, swapped insurance details, and in one case proffered the use of a holiday cottage in Donegal "for as long as it takes to get better."

"This isn't what we came here to see!" said one punter in a complimentary Coca-Cola baseball cap. "How is anyone supposed to condemn the standard of the game and threaten the ending of the series next year with this carry on?"

30,000 fans visited Galway to see the gladiatorial contest bemoaned of every sports writer, but instead witnessed the Compromise Rules equivalent of an episode of Jane Eyre.

"It's foot up the arse, or nothing!" said one disgruntled fan who had travelled from County Kerry. "Sure this isn't a game at all!"

Ireland won the 1st match by a score of 48 points to 40 points. The score will be carried over to the next match on Sunday and the Compromise Rules game will be preceded by an International Shinty match between Ireland and Scotland at 11.45am.

The GAA has announced that a small number of Hill 16 and stand tickets have been returned for Sundays 2nd Test in Croke Park. They are now on sale through the GAA’s website and Ticketmaster, while stocks last.