The unionist-dominated Northern Ireland and the nationalist Irish Free State had recently been separated politically, and the GAA was prepared to surrender its authority to ensure national unity in athletics and cycling and avoid a division which would reinforce the reality of partition.
The unionist-controlled North and the nationalist Irish Free State had recently been separated politically, and the GAA was prepared to surrender its authority to foster national unity in sports such as athletics and cycling, thus avoiding a division that would reinforce the reality of partition.