On this bright sunny Sunday morning, a morning when at this time of year our Club Grounds would be a hive of activity, we want to commend you all for staying away from any activity as you have done so for the past ten days. 

We need everyone to stay committed to the GAA directives on how we address Covid19, NO activity should be taking place on our Grounds.

 We should use our County and Club Social Media Platforms to deliver programmes to our young players to allow them to practice their skills in their own home and gardens.

 Let us stay focused and stay strong, there will be adequate time between the end of the current restrictions and the resumption of GAA matches for our teams to get up to speed again.

Our Strength is in our Unity.

The GAA's Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee have written to all counties and clubs, urging them to strictly follow HSE guidelines in relation to the social distancing.

With all GAA activity cancelled until at least March 29 and an expectation that restrictions could continue for a much longer period, intercounty and club squads at all levels are not allowed to train collectively or in small groups, outdoor or in gyms.

Indeed, all clubs have been informed that their Injury Benefit Cover and Public Liabilty Insurance cover is suspended during the Covid-19 emergency.

In a letter, the committee explains that mentors and players have a responsibilty not only to themselves but also to the wider community: "Team managers, backroom personnel and players at all levels have not only a duty of care to each other but also to the wider community around them at this time.

"It is expected therefore that County and Club teams across the country will adhere to both the letter and spirit of what has been asked of them at this challenging time."

The letter in full:

A chara,

The GAA's Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee, the Gaelic Player's Association and the Gaelic Athletic Medical Association (the representative body for Team Doctors) wish to stress the crucial importance of all players and team personnel adhering strictly to HSE guidelines in relation to social distancing and other aspects of the current Covid 19 pandemic.

In practical terms, this means the following:

Players should not congregate, even in small numbers, for training sessions.

Indoor shared Gym facilities are to be avoided, as such environments pose considerable limitations on a users ability to adhere to both 'Social Distancing' and contact transmission guidelines advised by the HSE.

Team managers, backroom personnel and players at all levels have not only a duty of care to each other but also to the wider community around them at this time.

It is expected therefore that County and Club teams across the country will adhere to both the letter and spirit of what has been asked of them at this challenging time.

Le meas,

Dick Clerkin (Chairman, GAA Medical Sceintific and Welfare Committee)
Paul Flynn (CEO, Gaelic Player's Association)
Dr Sean Moffatt (Chairman, G.A.M.A)

The GAA, Ladies Gaelic Football Association and Camogie Association have confirmed this afternoon that all activities at club and county level are to be suspended from midnight tonight (Thursday).

It means that all games across the board have been postponed for a two-week period in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having met with government officials earlier today, the GAA has since released the following statement to confirm its decision:

“In light of this morning’s Government announcement, the GAA, An Cumann Camógaíochta and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association have decided to suspend all activity at club, county and educational levels until March 29 (inclusive) from midnight.

“This is to include all games, training and team gatherings at all ages and all grades.

“We will continue to liaise with Government officials and review the situation between now and the end of the month, assessing the impact of these measures on our competitions.

“In the meantime, the Association is encouraging all members to continue to follow the guidelines which have been provided by the Health Authorities.”