GAA suspends all club matches with immediate effect



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The GAA management committee has halted all club games “with immediate effect and until further notice” as great uncertainty surrounds the 2020 inter-county championships in light of the latest NPHET recommendations.

The association is closely monitoring developments as the government debates a recommendation from the advisory committee to move the country to Level 5 of the Living with Covid-19 Resilience and Recovery plan.

Officials met this morning to discuss recent developments and put strategies in place for possible outcomes stemming from this afternoon’s Cabinet briefing.


Cork GAA urges its supporters to follow the guidelines


A statement said all club games would be suspended until further notice following scenes of celebration across the country where social distancing and other precautions were not followed.

“The decision has been made in the interest of public safety after a series of incidents that have come to our attention in recent days.

“In particular, post-match celebrations and the lack of social distancing at certain events have been disappointing and troublesome.

“This directive applies to all ages and all grades across the island.”

Bars and social clubs will also close, but “training will continue to be allowed in accordance with the guidelines outlined for the relevant levels in the Government’s National Framework for Living with Covid-19 and the relevant guidelines in the Six Counties.”

If Level 5 is not enforced, allowing inter-county training to continue, for now, seems like a great possibility, but challenge games will likely not be allowed before the possible inter-county season resumption.

And if inter-county games continue, it now seems almost certain that they will be played behind closed doors.

There was a big surprise last night when it became known that the National Public Health Emergency Team was advising the Government to move to Level 5 of the recovery plan.

No sports matches or training sessions would be allowed under that Level 5 category.

The GAA Covid-19 Advisory Group is likely to meet tonight, following the outcome of today’s meeting between the Medical Director and the three Government party leaders, as well as the cabinet meeting.



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