With changes to restrictions possibly due on March 5th the GAA are looking to after Easter for competitive action
Earlier this evening the GAA released a statement in relation to the current situation with COVID-19 restrictions. And in it they have all but confirmed that no on field activity will be permitted before Easter this year. Easter falls on the weekend ending Sunday April 4th.
Tonight, The GAA’s Covid Advisory Group met to consider the outcome of a meeting between the three Gaelic Games governing bodies. The GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association. The meeting also included representatives of the lrish Government, including the Minister of State for Sport.
The Government representatives clarified that inter-county Gaelic Games activity is not covered under the current Level 5 exemptions for elite sports.
As such a return to intercounty training or games is not permitted under the current restrictions. It was also clear that there will not be any change to this position post-March 5th. That’s when the restrictions currently in place are reviewed. It is the view of the GAA’s Covid Advisory group that no on field activity will be permitted. That includes training and games. And no action is expected until Easter at the earliest.
Updated “Living With COVID Plan is expected
ln the interim, it is expected that the Government will publish an updated “Living with Covid” plan. And the GAA expects that this will provide clarity on when clubs and counties are likely to be allowed return to training and games in 2021.
It should also provide clarity on when other off-field club activities may be permitted to resume. It is clear that this extended delay to the planned return of the inter county season will have knock-on effects for both the inter county and club games programmes originally planned for 2021.
As of right now the GAA have made no firm decisions on what competitions may or may not be facilitated in any revised fixture programme – such decisions will be a factor of how much time is made available to them, both for an inter county season and for the broader participation levels that will be necessary for a meaningful club season.
As always, we’ll keep an eye on this ever developing situation and update as future decisions are made.
