All sporting events in county are cancelled
SPORTING events throughout the county have been cancelled in an effort to try and contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
GAA, football and rugby headquarters all announced the cessation of all football under its jurisdiction until March 29 inclusive, and with immediate effect following directives from Government and the Department of Health.
In a statement released by the GAA, the decision was explained as follows: ‘In light of this morning’s Government announcement, the GAA, An Cumann Camógaíochta and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association have decided to suspend all activity at club, county and educational levels until March 29 (inclusive) from midnight.
‘This is to include all games, training and team gatherings at all ages and all grades. We will continue to liaise with Government officials and review the situation between now and the end of the month, assessing the impact of these measures on our competitions. In the meantime, the Association is encouraging all members to continue to follow the guidelines which have been provided by the Health Authorities.’
Local clubs were quick to follow suit and announce the cessation of all training, fixtures and activities until March 29, at the least.
Bray Emmets Chairman Paul Cunningham released a statement informing all club members that all games and training sessions are cancelled.
‘We would like to address some of the concerns and questions many of you have regarding the developing coronavirus situation and its impact on the club. Bray Emmets GAA Club have considered the statement issued by An Taoiseach and have decided to cancel all club juvenile games and training until at least March 29. For now we will be directed on when to resume by the GAA, County Board or
HSE authorities.’
Mr Cunningham explained that it was important that the club called a complete halt to action amid the uncertain spread of coronavirus in Ireland.
‘We have sent a notice to all our members letting them know that all club activities will stop until March 29. That also includes closing all our facilities, including the gym, the pitches and the clubhouse.
‘We are locking it all down. We received recommendations from the GAA so no games or activities will be taking place at all. There won’t be any insurance either as the Players Injury Fund won’t apply during this time. It’s very important that the club does its piece during these very uncertain times,’ said Mr Cunningham.
Both the Leinster Senior League and the Dublin and District Schoolboys League issued directives cancelling all fixtures and activities with immediate effect, until further notice. However, Blessington FC had already taken the decision to cancel everything until March 29.
Chairman, Garry O’Connor, said: ‘The welfare of everyone is the most important thing at this stage. No training or fixtures will be taking place and all activities are cancelled. It’s a terrible situation but what can you do?’
Wicklow Rugby Club Chairman has also confirmed that all club activities will be on hold until March 29.
‘We will be putting a halt to all activities until March 29, as instructed by the Irish Rugby Football Union and the Leinster branch. There swill be no training and no matches during that period. There were no specific instructions regarding club bars but ours will remain shut. It very disappointing but needs must.’
John Smith, Chairman of St Patrick’s GAA Club, said the club too the advice of the GAA and the HSE when deciding to close all activities until March 29 as well.
‘Everything is off until March 29, at a minimum. It’s hard to tell just how long this might go on. You can hold gatherings of no more than 100 people but it’s impossible to know where anyone has been. It’s better to be cautious and two weeks of pain is a lot better than a lifetime of pain,’ said Mr Smith.
Wicklow Tennis Club will remain open for adults only aged 18 and over but social distancing must be observed at all times.
All internal and external activities have been cancelled with immediate effect, due for review on March 29 in line with Government and HSE guidelines.