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The GAA’s request to feed the teams this weekend after the All-Ireland and Joe McDonagh finals was one of several requests rejected by the Sports Department.
President John Horan has again raised concerns about the possibility of post-match celebrations with several competitions pending decision.
On Saturday Galway and Kilkenny will meet in the camouflage final, while on Sunday Antrim v Kerry in the Joe McDonagh Cup is the backdrop for the SHC final between Waterford and Limerick.
Gardaí called on GAA fans to follow public health guidelines and regulations, while yesterday the association wrote an open letter to members asking supporters to act safely and sensibly for the next several weeks.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Horan expanded further.
“We are concerned that the celebrations will take over, that people will let their guard down a bit,” he said.
“I would be very concerned if whoever wins the weekend wins, that victory is clouded by all the peak coverage in those particular areas.
“That is really the message that we are trying to get across to people; celebrate, but celebrate safely.”
Various coaches throughout the championship have asked that full panels be allowed to travel to games. Currently, only those on the 26-player matchday teams can enter the stadiums along with 12 members of the backroom and management teams.
Horan sought the relaxation of that restriction, along with other measures, but revealed that all were rejected by the government.
“We reached out to the Sports Department to build capacity, let in family members, and feed the teams afterward.
“All of those requests were rejected. We have to respect that. They have their reasons and are trying to control the pandemic. The guidelines have been very strict and we are going to be a total complaint.”
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