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The government moved tonight to introduce Level 5 restrictions across the country for six weeks starting at midnight Wednesday.
However, there are some exemptions from the restrictions, as they were originally spelled out in the “Living with Covid” plan and these include what is called “elite sports.”
As described on the Gov.ie website, no training or matches should be held, with the following exceptions:
- non-contact training can continue for school children, outdoors in groups of 15
- Professional, elite and inter-county Gaelic sports, horse racing and greyhound racing can continue behind closed doors.
All other training activities must be individual only.
Exercise or dance classes are not allowed.
We have tried to break down the implications the latest regulations will have for several popular sports:
GAA
All Ireland championships in both football and hurling will be able to take place under the new lockdown.
As scheduled by the GAA in June, the championships will begin on Saturday night with the quarterfinal meeting of Dublin’s Leinster Hurling and Laois at Croke Park and will end with the football final at Croke Park on Saturday, December 19.
All games are scheduled to be held behind closed doors and spectators are not allowed, as has been the case since the government moved to Level 3 in early October.
Horse racing
Racing is another sport that will be able to continue behind closed doors under the new restrictions, as the national hunting season is beginning to hit full speed again.
Although betting shops will be forced to close their doors in Ireland for a minimum of four weeks starting Wednesday night, which is a huge blow to the industry.
Rugby
The Six Nations Championship has been the green light to proceed behind closed doors by the Government. Ireland will resume their campaign against Italy at Aviva this Saturday.
Football
It appears that the Irish League and FAI Cup will still be played behind closed doors, while Ireland may host Bulgaria in their Nations Cup match on 18 November.
The FAI said tonight that they will “discuss the level 5 restrictions for the sport with the government tomorrow and meet internally before updating our members at the first opportunity.”
Dundalk’s Europa League group matches in these next six weeks with Molde and Rapid Vienna can also go ahead without the crowds present.
Golf
It is not clear whether people can continue to play golf. The Irish Golf Union said tonight: “We will issue a statement with @IrishLadiesGolf Tuesday on the latest government announcement in the Republic of Ireland. ”
Swimming
Unfortunately, the Gov.ie website indicates that all gyms, leisure centers, and pools will be closed during Level 5.
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