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The GAA has made the decision to suspend all games at all levels.
Following the huge increase in the number of Covid-19 cases and major concerns surrounding celebratory events after the county finals, games from U6 to senior are now on hold across the country.
In Leeside, that means all five of the county finals pending decision this weekend are out:
LIHC: Castlemartyr vs. Russell Rovers; IFC: Mitchelstown vs. Rockchapel; PIFC: Kanturk vs. Knocknagree; SAFC: Éire Óg against Mallow; SFC Premier: Nemo Rangers v Castlehaven.
There were also a number of minor decisions organized by Rebel Óg that fell by the wayside, including a Premier 2 minor football clash between Castlehaven and Kanturk; Plans for the U13 and U15 leagues through November are also on hold.
Clubs will still be able to train according to current guidelines to minimize the spread of Covid-19. All the bars in the club will have to close.
In the past week, there has been strong criticism on social media from the Glanmire and Blackrock clubs in Cork following their county final victories in minor football and major pitches, respectively.
The GAA will monitor developments from here, although the inter-county season, which begins this month, now appears to be seriously threatened.
Coiste Bainistí of the organization met this morning after a weekend in which there were a series of well-documented social distancing violations involving post-match activities.
“The GAA Management Committee has today endorsed all GAA Club games at all levels with immediate effect and until further notice,” the statement read.
“The decision has been made in the interest of public safety following a series of incidents that have come to our attention in recent days. In particular, post-match celebrations and lack of social distancing at certain events have proven disappointing and troublesome.
“This directive applies to all ages and grades throughout the island. The bars and social centers of the club will also be closed. Training will continue to be allowed according to 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.
“GAA will continue to monitor the situation in the coming days and weeks, with respect to changes in government guidelines, before contacting our units accordingly.
“The Association would also like to thank all those units that have worked diligently in complying with the public health councils on conducting our games and training sessions since the activity was resumed. More than ever, we ask them to continue this approach where training sessions for their players continue. ”
The GAA statement follows one from the Cork County Board this morning in relation to the celebrations.
“Our priority during the pandemic has been to keep our GAA community safe,” stated the Cork GAA executive.
“Anything that threatens that security, and the very continuation of the game during COVID-19, must be avoided at all costs.
“To that end, we kindly ask all clubs and fans not to participate in celebrations that violate current guidelines. There will be county finals again next year, and we want to make sure COVID-19 doesn’t steal some of the chance to enjoy them. ”
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