Surge fears hover over season return

CLUB games are due to restart on Friday next, July 17.

Just as that date drew nearer, promising a return after weeks of suspended activity, came news of clubs in Cork having to pause their return amid fears of contact with a confirmed case of Covid-19.

If it was inevitable that such cases would arise as part of attempts to return to some semblance of sport as it once was, it has also served as a reminder of how delicate the current situation remains – and of how vulnerable to change plans are for a resumption of activity at all levels of the GAA.

Informed sources reported earlier in the week of a change of mood in some senior circles within the GAA, with pessimism about the possibility of completing the season starting to emerge.

This is a consequence of the increase in volume and frequency of public health advice this week.

A rise in cases was inevitable, say experts, as a result of opening up the country following weeks in which most of the population moved little beyond their homes.

However, it is the picture that emerged from a deeper reading of the data that caused concern, in particular the infection rate among younger people.

This is an obvious issue for all sporting organisations, not just the GAA, given the age profile of athletes. This is complicated by the fact that GAA clubs are a mix of age groups, and rely on older people to volunteer in a variety of roles, including some specific to new duties that result from the pandemic.

An even bigger complication, though, is the imminent return of organised matches, and the risk of infection that could come with it.

That leads to more concerns about players spreading it within families and communities that may include vulnerable people.

Many of these issues were anticipated, but the greater cause for concern is what happens come the autumn.

This has already been alluded to by public health officials, who say the risk of a surge as the weather turns inclement and people spend more time indoors – where the virus spreads much more virulently than outdoors – will increase. All of these factors could imperil the restart of the GAA season.