Grounds site ahead of schedule
of Excellence, but he predicted that next year’s premium would be ‘significantly lower’ because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
Mattock Rangers’ Sean Reid expressed concern over the increase, pointing out that there would be no claims arising from March 10th until the lockdown comes to an end, but Mr Berrill pointed out that the premium was worked out last October and he expected that it would be ‘substantially smaller’ next year.
The treasurer also said the intention of the County Board was to continue paying off the existing loan relating to Darver and so clubs would be expected to keep paying the usual levy, but he added that he would try to accommodate any club that came to him with difficulties concerning the levy.
Paul Murtagh of St Mochta’s suggested that a freeze on the loan could be sought in the current circumstances and Mr Berrill said Bank of Ireland were agreeable to a three-month deferral if necessary.
The treasurer also agreed to a request from Pat O’Brien (Sean O’Mahony’s) that there be transparency in the process and that delegates be told which clubs were given deferrals on Darver payments.
He also said that the insurance company would not deal with any claims arising from injuries sustained during the lockdown as there is not meant to be any activity taking place.
It was revealed that a number of injury claims lodged prior to the lockdown were turned down because the clubs concerned were still not registered to play for the 2020 season.
Only one other JFC contender
LOUTH and Longford are the only two teams interested in playing for the Leinster Junior Football Championship this year after all the other counties pulled out of the competitition.
Last week’s Co Board meeting heard that contact would be made with Longford to see if they were still interested in particcipating - if not then the competition would not take place in 2020.
Meanwhile, it’s planned to run this year’s Leinster Minor Football and Hurling championships on a straight knockout basis. Louth have also decided to enter a Leinster Under-17 hurling tournament this year. It has been created for the so-called weaker counties and will have a knockout format.