GAA confirm 2020 Championship is all systems go

THE GAA confirmed yesterday that it is all systems go for the 2020 inter-county championships which are due to begin at the end of October.

However, county teams were warned there will be a number of strict financial controls which they must adhere to as they prepare and train for the Championship, because of the reduction of funding caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

During a meeting of the Association’s Central council over Zoom, it was agreed that the All-Ireland senior, under-20 and minor football and hurling championships should proceed after the GAA had ‘positive interaction with the Government’ and there was an understanding that ‘specific financial supports will be made available’.

Following consultation with London, Warwickshire and Lancashire, it was decided that the three English counties would not compete in the

2020 championship because of the complications involved with travel during the pandemic.

Competing county teams will receive a safety plan and accompanying protocols to ensure the safe staging of this year’s championship.

‘A plan and a series of protocols produced by the Association’s Covid Advisory Group, and which will facilitate the safe staging of inter-county games, will be circulated to counties,’ the GAA announced in a statement last night.

‘Following consultation with the counties, it was agreed that London, Warwickshire and Lancashire will not be involved in the 2020 championships.

‘The special emergency powers for the administration of the Association have been reapproved and extended until December 4.’