Rock Celtic appoint sub-committee to help steer club out of lockdown

In the words of chairman Donal Lynch, Rock Celtic ‘is just not sitting in the dark’ waiting for a return to training and playing.

The club have set up a five strong sub-committee to guide players, committee and over 60 coaches on a safe resumption of activity, which the group are to ensure will meet with the approval of parents.

The group comprising Robert Cosgrove, David McGeough, Paul Scanlon, Paul Gaughran, along with club secretary Cronan McCabe are to carry out the task by liaising with the FAI and the Government, HSE and all who are striving to steer a pathway that conforms with health and safety protocols.

The Group will in turn pass on to all within the club clear and unambiguous directions from the authorities, consulting with the FAI Regional Development Officer Mick Neville as well in the matter.

They are placing paramount importance on what parents feel, and are to survey them to ascertain their wishes and to go along with those and only if they are happy with arrangements to bring young players back to train and play.

Speaking on behalf of the Group, Robert Cosgrove said that a pilot scheme similar to what it taking place for the League of Ireland with a four team tournament for European representatives including Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Derry will likely be employed for junior and schoolboys soccer to yield a framework to resume.

The club would subject to parents, coaches and committee being happy consider taking part in such a scheme if invited.

The Group will undertake the implementation of a safe return to training and playing. ‘What training will look like God only knows, but we will make sure that we follow the official phased protocols ‘Robert commented.

The organisation and timing of sessions will likely be much different to protect players and coaches, with the provision of hand sanitizers necessary and a probable one way system in and out to the Sandy Lane ground to avoid large groups being together and keep players apart as long as directed.

Robert points out that the club is lucky that the grounds allow for the control of players into and out with entrance gates on either side and a walkway on both sides of the pitch.

‘Everybody is keen to get back up and running but the club is very conscious it is done in the right and proper way and will strictly follow the guidelines and directions and ensure that parents are satisfied to go along with them. We are getting ready to engage with parents to ensure they are happy.’

Chairman Donal Lynch said while in shutdown there has been quite a lot for the

Management committee to attend to behind the scenes, including maintaining the

main pitch that has required regular watering during the prolonged dry spell.

The club has flown the tricolour at the ground, signalling their support for frontline workers, and offered the