No GAA Return Allowed Under Level 5 Restrictions

THE Irish government last night confirmed that inter-county GAA will not be covered under the current Level 5 exemptions for elite sports.

As a result, there will be no return to intercounty matches or training in the coming months. It is also understood that there will be no review of this stance by the government until Easter at the very earliest.

The restrictions are set to have a knock-on effect on the GAA’s intercounty and club calendar. The governing body say that definitive decisions and plans will not be made until later in the year when the current restrictions eventually ease.

The statement on GAA.ie promises that a ‘Master Fixture Calendar’ for the remainder of 2021 will be put in place as soon as a Government “Living with Covid” roadmap for society and sport is made available.

“Once clarity is provided by Government and Public Health Authorities on the likely road ahead for society generally and sport in particular, the GAA will follow with its own roadmap and plan for our own activities at both inter-county and club level, that will cover whatever time is available to us for the remainder of the year.

“We know these latest developments will come as a great disappointment to all those who are anxious to resume their Gaelic Games involvement, be it on or off the field. While we remain in the midst of a deadly pandemic, there is significant cause for optimism that much better days lie ahead.

“The manner in which we have endured and overcome thus far, both as individual members and as an Association generally, has been praised by many and is a cause of great pride to us all. With your help we are certain that we will eventually have a fulfilling season at both club and county level in 2021, just as we had in 2020.”

All involved will be hoping a solution can be found in good time to allow Limerick supporters enjoy the 2021 season every bit as much as the thrilling 2020 campaign.