SMYTH MAY ALTER RETIREMENT PLANS
Clubs warned as restriction rules ignored
yesterday in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.
‘It is imperative that we exercise extreme caution keeping two metres between people when taking physical exercise while encouraging people to consider using offpeak times,’ read a statement from the GAA.
Meanwhile, the HSE is working with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) to convert Cork Racehorse into a testing centre which is due to be in operation from today.
The sporting calendar has ground to an indefinite halt across the globe with the 2020 Olympics the latest major tournament to succumb to the coronavirus pandemic.
And Jason Smyth, the world’s fastest Paralympian, insists that he is ready to change his focus to next year following the postponement of the Japan Games.
‘My plan was all about Tokyo and then reassessing after that,’ said the 32-yearold sprinter. ‘It’s a four-year cycle but Paris 2024 is now only three years from Tokyo.’
Wimbledon, which is scheduled to begin on June 29, is currently under review, with tournament chiefs confirming a decision on the tennis showcase would be made next week.
GOLF’S authorities last night moved to clamp down on rogue golfers flouting the restriction directives imposed to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Sportsmail understands players were still accessing various courses around the country yesterday despite Tuesday’s announcement by golf bodies that ‘all clubs, practice facilities and courses across the island close with immediate effect’ .
Golf Union of Ireland (GUI) communications chief Alan Kelly confirmed to Sportsmail last night that all clubs affiliated to the GUI and Irish Ladies Golf Union were warned by email yesterday about the restrictions being breached and how further offences would not be tolerated.
‘We reiterated our recommendation that clubs close with immediate effect, and that we have the support of government agencies,’ said Kelly.
Yesterday, the GAA instructed all clubs to cease ‘walking, casual games or gatherings’ as the sporting shutdown across the country comes into effect.
Croke Park issued orders to all 32 counties