GAA management: ‘clubs have let the Association down’

A MEETING of the Wexford GAA Management Committee, which took place remotely last Friday, discussed how clubs at the centre of various Covid-19 outbreaks have let the Association down and created a mistrust with the public.

Minutes of the meeting, which was chaired by County Board chairperson Derek Kent and involved around 16 high ranking officials within Wexford GAA, was unequivocal in its criticism of the situation.

‘It was noted that the recent significant increase in Covid-19 incidence rates in the county is a cause of concern for all. Clubs, members and supporters are reminded to enhance all efforts to comply with public health guidance in order to prevent further spread of the virus,’ the minutes stated.

‘It is extremely disappointing that cases have been linked to a small number of clubs’ social activities following the recent county finals. The clubs in question have let the Assoication completely down and created a mistrust with the public in general.

‘ The public houses that supported the social activities have many questions to answer with their compliance with Covid-19 public health guidelines.

‘Clubs, their members, players and supporters have a responsibility to ensure that any postmatch gatherings are arranged safely and in strict accordance with public health rules.

‘Personal respsonsibility is essential if collective compliance with public health requirements is to be achieved. Wexford GAA have been assisting and liaising with the HSE in relation to the increase in cases within any clubs and those clubs deemed by the HSE to be at risk of having a cluster of cases have ceased all activities until public health guidance allows a resumption,’ the minutes stated.

‘Both senior inter-county panels and backroom teams availed of the GAA’s rapid testing programme as a precautionary measure and a small number of players tested positive (two hurlers) and another small number of players are self isolating.’

The meeting also heard that over the past 12 weeks, the 2020 Wexford GAA club championships were run safely and provided a vital social and sporting outlet to thousands of our members all over the county.

The meeting also referenced the fantastic success of the Cúl Camps this summer which had 4,500 participants.