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Offaly’s pitchers have been forced to hand Kildare a walkover in their scheduled Christy Ring Cup clash this weekend after it was deemed that “more than 25” of their players were deemed “close contacts” in a case. positive.
He ate Thursday night, Faithful County confirmed in a statement that they were unable to comply with Saturday’s game and expressed surprise that the team had not been considered casual contacts of the player who tested positive.
The problem is believed to be related to a training session last week. Three of Michael Fennelly’s senior panel members were forced to withdraw from Wednesday’s Leinster U20 HC victory over Westmeath, and the county board stated that they have sought solutions since the matter arose.
Offaly also confirmed that they had committed to the GAA rapid testing program.
“Offaly GAA regrets that it will not be possible for our senior pitchers to meet the Christy Ring Cup game against Kildare this Saturday.
“The HSE has considered almost all the members of the Offaly panel as a ‘close contact’ of a player with Covid-19. The player tested positive on Wednesday, October 21 and had not participated in training with the team since 13 October The rest of the panel is obliged to restrict their movements for 14 days (until October 27).
“Offaly County GAA Board officers have been in contact with GAA officers in Croke Park since this issue emerged Wednesday afternoon. Our preferred option was to postpone the game, but we understand that this course of action is not possible as all GAA Championships must be completed in a short period of time.
“We look forward to participating in the second round of the Christy Ring Cup on the weekend of November 7-8, when players who are restricting their movements become available. They are currently taking advantage of GAA’s rapid test facilities.
“Offaly GAA wishes to emphasize that we would be prepared to participate in Saturday’s game with a depleted team. However, it is simply not feasible with more than 25 players discarded.
“We also wish to emphasize that the County Board, team management, players, and backroom staff have followed the HSE and GAA guidelines regarding Covid-19 at all times, and they expected the panel members to have considered themselves. ‘casual contacts’ rather than ‘close contacts’ of a player with Covid-19.
Finally, Offaly GAA agrees that Kildare has a short notice before Saturday’s game, but wants to assure you that since this matter came up on Wednesday afternoon, we have been working tirelessly to avoid this unfortunate situation where the game cannot. continue as arranged. ”
Despite the concession of the game, Offaly is still seeking Ring Cup honors when they walk through the back door. That round of matches won’t be decided until the weekend of November 7-8.
The Offaly concession is the latest blow for the GAA, which is facing increasing difficulties in putting its powers into action as Covid-19 takes over the country once again.
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