Seán McCague

Seán McCague is a former President of the Gaelic Athletic Association (2000–2003). McCague was born in Scotstown, County Monaghan and became the first Monaghan man to hold that prestigious office.

As President he will be mostly remembered for the removal of Rule 21 in November 2001.[1] Rule 21 banned members of the British security forces (who were an unwelcome force for most GAA fans) from playing Gaelic games.[2] The rule was abolished despite the opposition of five of the six northern counties (Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone).[2]

At the annual 2001 GAA Congress McCague convinced Taoiseach Bertie Ahern to pledge €76 million towards the redevelopment of Croke Park.[1] This amount was later reduced to €38 million.

References

  1. ^ a b "A tame Congress on the cards". BBC News. 2003-04-11. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/2934005.stm. Retrieved 2007-08-20. 
  2. ^ a b "Gaelic sport ends forces ban". BBC News. 2001-11-17. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/1660575.stm. Retrieved 2007-08-20. 
Preceded by
Joe McDonagh		 President of the Gaelic Athletic Association
2000-2003		 Succeeded by
Seán Kelly