Tracey Kennedy ‘disappointed’ games gone behind closed doors
THE chairperson of the Cork County Board, Tracy Kennedy, has expressed ‘disappointment’ at the decision to hold GAA games behind closed doors until September 13.
However, she said the Cork County Board will now await the ‘outcome’ from the proposed meeting with the GAA and National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
The GAA have issued a public invite to Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn to “present the empirical evidence” which has led to all the association’s games to go behind closed doors until September 13.
The decision to hold GAA games behind closed doors came as part of the latest restrictions introduced by the Government on Tuesday, following advice from NPHET.
In a letter from NPHET to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, NPHET said they were concerned with “a number of clusters that have emerged associated with sporting activities”.
However, the GAA are now seeking more information on these concerns.
Ms Kennedy said that she felt that “their games were being run safely” and in keeping with all guidelines.
“The GAA has made a statement seeking more information from NPHET and we will await the outcome of that request. We are disappointed. Our games were up and running successfully,” she said.
However, she said she was not a medical expert.
She said playing of games was ‘central’
“I am relived we can continue playing but it is disappointinng that there will be no spectators.”
Also on Wednesday, the county board released a statement saying they were ‘awaiting clarity on a number of issues around yesterday’s [ Tuesday] government announcement’.
County Cork PRO Alan Mac Maoldúin said: “Until such a time as we get contrary evidence, media/streaming can be facilitated. This may be subject to change but will be making a case that it doesn’t given the added importance of having games covered that have no supporters present.
“We hope to have a holding position for clubs soon.”