ALL SYSTEMS GO

GAA reach deal with players on screening tests

THE GAA has agreed to a new Covid-19 screening system for all inter- county squads after the Gaelic Players’ Association threatened to withdraw support for the 2020 Championship if new measures were not introduced.

Under the system, players will initially be given rapid saliva tests. Those players who test positive will then have the result confirmed by a more sensitive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.

The screening is expected to be rolled out after this weekend’s final round of the Allianz Football League and opening round of the All-Ireland hurling championship.

The GAA’s Covid-19 Advisory Group have also accepted the GPA’s call for stricter match- day travel and compliance guidelines.

In a note to GPA members, CEO Paul Flynn, who is also a member of the GAA’s Covid-19 Advisory Group, said: ‘The GAA advisory committee have agreed to implement a baseline screening protocol for all squads as requested. The details will be

finalised after the weekend as the identification of a suitable testing system and service provider is ongoing. ‘However, it is likely to be a saliva test which provides rapid results. Positive cases identified will then be referred for a PCR test. The aim will be to make this available to all squads at the earliest convenience. In the meantime, the existing rapid testing system provided by the GAA will be used for any squads with concerns.’ On another tumultuous day for counties in relation to the virus and its impact, 10 teams were removed from the All-Ireland intermediate and junior camogie championships. This came after the Camogie Association received direction from the Department of Sport that each county can field just one team in the Championship. This change rules out Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny and Tipperary in the intermediate championship and Clare, Wexford, Waterford, Limerick and Offaly in the junior ranks.