Clare’s Gaelic Games community say the Government’s decision to ban all spectators from sporting events is a “very disappointing” and a “massive blow”.
Supporters will now not be able to attend games until at least the 13th of September.
Up until now 200 people were allowed be part of an outdoor sporting event – after yesterday’s new restrictions were introduced, it will be a minimum of four weeks before that’s possible again.
Clare GAA’s policy has been not to allow spectators until up to 500 people are permitted to attend games – a scenario that seems further away than previously now.
By the time current restrictions have been lifted, Clare’s Senior Club Hurling Championship semi finals will have been played – the Senior Football semi finals are scheduled to run off a week later.
Clare County Board Chairman Joe Cooney says adult club action will continue for now – but has expressed a concern about juvenile games and the intercounty season going forward.
Clare Camogie, meanwhile, have been letting the permitted level of spectators into their games – they say they rely heavily on gate receipts to sustain themselves financially year-to-year, with yesterday’s announcement coming as ‘a huge blow’.
The Clare Senior Camogie final is due to take place on September 12th – a day before spectators are due to be permitted back into grounds.
PRO Brid McNamara says they will have to revisit their budgets as a result of the decision.
Nationally, the GAA has called for evidence to be presented to explain the Government’s decision – they’ve invited Acting Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn and NPHET to meet with their COVID-19 Advisory Group as soon. as possible.
Philip Nolan, chair of the NPHET Modelling advisory group, says there is empirical evidence behind the move.