THE British Army are set to formally present a case to gain affiliation for an Irish Guards team within London GAA at September's County Board meeting on Monday 14.
The Irish Guards moved from their station in Aldershot, Hampshire, to Hounslow Cavalry Barracks, west London, in June of this year and will be stationed there for the next three years.
Since their arrival in the capital, talks have been held with London GAA over the possibility of fielding a team in next year's county championship, league and cup competitions.
Their case will be officially put forward at the Irish TV Grounds in Ruislip on Monday before the County Board panel and delegates from London GAA clubs, who will each register their vote on the matter.
If successful, Gardai Eireannach – who have been receiving support from prominent London GAA members such as Tir Chonaill Gaels, who have reportedly provided training facilities for their cause – must begin at Junior level.
Sources close to The Irish Post say support is hovering around the 50-50 mark, but a majority vote in favour is required for the bid to be successful in what promises to be an interesting ballot which will pit traditional values against modern idealism.
The GAA's Rule 21, which banned members of the British security forces from playing football and hurling within the Association, was abolished at a congress in Dublin nearly 14 years ago after being enforced for over a century.
