Davy not in favour of behind closed doors option
Manager not in favour of behind closed doors option
WEXFORD SENIOR hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald will not shut the door on the 2020 season just yet – but he is not a fan of having to play games without supporters.
The Model county supremo is holed up at home like everyone else, in Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, in his case, uncertain as to what the future holds, and what will happen in the weeks ahead, let alone next month, or the summer for that matter.
But his job means being prepared and his players are doing just that, albeit on an individual basis, which is not the ideal way to gear up for the blood and thunder of championship action, should it take place.
However, Fitzgerald is not thinking that far ahead, and not even contemplating a specific date for a return to activity, if any.
But he has read the comments of the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, in Sunday’s papers to the effect that gatherings would create a problem into the foreseeable future.
Given this remark, coupled with social distancing, which may remain a part of Irish life until a vaccine is found, he was left wondering what it all meant as regards a return to G.A.A. activity.
The former Clare All-Ireland winning player and manager said: ‘Look, it’s not the time to be looking at championships or championship formats No one knows actually what is going to happen, but the main priority at the moment is the stemming of the coronavirus and getting rid of it if possible.
‘People’s health right now is the priority. No one knows the answer, but it looks as if much we do will be guided by the availability of a vaccine,’ he said.
‘No one knows a lot at the moment, all discussions are so unreal, but the G.A.A. are handling the whole matter well. Everything we do will be guided by the government and the health authorities.
‘We will be following their guidelines, so it’s premature talking about a championship start-up or formats. Truly, I have not given it a great deal of thought at the moment as there are so many challenges out there.
‘While I would love to get the league finished, and get a championship start-up date, we will play our part in whatever proposals or guidelines come our way.
‘Everything is still very much on the table, whether playing behind closed doors, or having a reduced championship, we will possibly know a little more come May 5. We just have to play a waiting game, be patient, and be ready for whatever follows.’
Fitzgerald feels that there are many decisions to be made that would impact on the championship.
‘It’s a difficult one, difficult for players who are striving to maintain their fitness levels, difficult for management.
‘We have to look at everything so different at the moment, it’s not feasible to be looking at start-up dates, or when the championship would need to begin.’
On playing behind closed doors, he said: ‘I think it’s a realistic option, but one I would not be in favour of.
‘While I would rather play behind closed doors than not have a championship at all, I am still not a fan of playing behind closed doors. It’s not the same without fans, absolutely isn’t.
‘There is still the case of social distancing which would still be a problem with dressing-rooms, sidelines, along with the presence of officials, media, etc.
‘Everything is still very much on the table. Players want to be playing so it’s important that we consider them, but we must also take their health into consideration when arriving at decisions.’
Any return will also have to factor in club activity along with a time frame for preparation.
‘Club activity is also an important consideration. This will also have to be factored in. As regards preparation, teams would need at least three weeks before a return to competition. That is a given,’ Fitzgerald added.
There are so many arguments and proposals out there as to when the country can return to somewhat normal activity.
What’s well flagged is that people will not return to the activity they had been accustomed to before the coronavirus impact, for many, many months.
And that means that everything is still very much on the table, whether playing a reduced championship format, playing behind closed doors, or a complete closedown until 2021.
As it stands at present, Croke Park could be closed to business until next year. ‘Clarity would be welcome, but we still need to be patient,’ Fitzgerald added.