Back to the field
Well we had some good news from the Government last week when we got a date that the kids could go back training. The date is Monday, April 26. Training can only be done in pods of 15.
So our clubs will now be busy getting our teams organised and giving them time slots and days to go back. Now we can plan a bit and although we have no date for games to begin it’s not going to be well into May before the games will kick off.
Leagues will now have to decide on whether to finish off the present season’s games or do we forget about this season and kick off again in September.
FAI CEO Jonathan Hill was pleased to see underage players getting a date for returning to the field.
Jonathan thanked all the clubs for their perseverance and their patience during the lockdown. We will get an update on training protocols shortly. A Covid-19 webinar for all leagues and affiliates will be held shortly.
HOPE FOR KENNEDY CUP AND GAYNOR CUP
The FAI and the SFAI will consult each other shortly to see if these competitions can take place later this year. If something can be done for these tournaments then managers, coaches and players would be delighted. Where would they take place? Would UL be available and could some fans be allowed? What about all the scouts from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and further afield? Would they be allowed to attend?
Again much will depend on how the virus is in June or July. Will we see most of the country vaccinated? If there is a big improvement then maybe we could have a better idea about these tournaments. As soon as we get some news then everyone will be informed and hopefully we will all have some good news to report.
In the meantime, a lot of work will need to be done by the leagues. In some cases it will be like starting from scratch. Will our players be anxious to return? What about the coaches and managers?
Then we move on to our development managers and coaches and of course our players. They too will be anxious to get back into the action. Managers and coaches will want to get their squads back into training. On all of the above we will have a better idea in the coming weeks. So yes, it’s the first bit of good news in many months. Yes we will go by what the Government has said. We still have some ways to go but it’s looking better than a few months ago and now we may even get in a holiday at the end of the summer. It’s nice to be back talking about football again.
NEW REFEREES
From time to time we look for new referees and now is one of those times before we get back playing matches. If anyone is interested then get in touch with Eamonn Cusack, Keith Hornibrook or indeed with any member of the schoolboy league committee.
One can begin refereeing in the schoolboy league with would help one to get experience. Do not delay, call someone today and get trained up.
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Indeed they do and we ask everyone to make sure they show respect to all players, managers, coaches and fans.
SAD FILM ON JACK CHARLTON
Virgin TV’s story on the passing of Jack Charlton and his football years in Ireland was terrific to watch on Sunday night last. Mick McCarthy’s stories added to the show.
While at times one got some great laughs from the players who played under Jack, they all had their stories, it was also sad to see Jack in the final year or two of his life.
Looking at the film one could not wonder but when will see the likes of those years from 1988-1996 again. Sadly with the players at the moment mostly playing in the championship it’s not going to happen anytime soon.
LADIES AND GIRLS FOOTBALL
We would hope to have a discussion on both of these when we get back on the field and most people would have been vaccinated. Hopefully some games will be played next year. We will come back to this topic later in the year.