THE GAA HAS suspended all club games at all levels with immediate effect until further notice.

A statement released to clubs says that the association has taken this decision following “a number of incidents” in relation to post-match celebrations and “a lack of social distancing” at recent games.

The announcement also comes on the back of NPHET’s recommendations to impose Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions across the country.

A number of counties have yet to finish their club hurling and football championship campaigns, meaning their competitions could go unfinished in 2020.

The42 understands that the inter-county GAA action will still go ahead unless the country enters Level 5 in the list of restrictions. That scheduled is set to resume on 17 October with Round 6 of the football league and All-Ireland U20 semi-finals down for decision. Then the weekend of 24-25 October is planned for the commencement of the 2020 senior championships.

The Ladies Gaelic Football Association [LGFA] has since issued a similar statement of its own, confirming its endorsement of the decision from the GAA’s Management Committee to suspend all LGFA Club games at all levels with immediate effect ​and until further notice.

The Camogie Association is yet to suspend activity, though it’s expected a similar decision may follow as all three associations have followed the same pathway and protocols through the Covid-19 crisis.

A statement from the Camogie Association, tweeted by Wexford camogie, reads:

“Further to statements issued by the GAA and LGFA this afternoon, the Camogie Association are considering the current situation and will hold and Ard Chomhairle meeting tonight to consider the latest public health guidance and recommendations.

“A meeting was held earlier today at which further information was sought before any decisions are made. We will update units in due course after tonight’s Ard Chomhairle meeting.”

The full statement from the GAA to clubs today reads:

“The GAA’s Management Committee has today endorsed a decision to suspend all GAA Club games at all levels with immediate effect and until further notice.

“The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety following a number of incidents that have been brought to our attention in recent days. In particular, post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events have proved disappointing and problematic.

“This directive applies to all ages and all grades across the island.

“Club Social Centres / bars are also to close.

“Training will continue to be permitted as per the guidelines outlined for the relevant levels in the Government’s National Framework for Living with Covid 19 and relevant guidelines in the Six Counties.

“The GAA will continue to monitor the situation in the coming days and weeks, regarding changes in government guidelines, before liaising with our units accordingly.

“The Association would also like to acknowledge all of those units who have worked diligently in complying with the public health advice around the staging of our games and training sessions since activity resumed.

“More than ever, we ask that you continue with this approach where training sessions for your players is continuing.”

The LGFA’s similarly-worded statement adds:  “Consequently, provincial club championship fixtures which had been scheduled for the coming weekend are postponed until further notice. We are exploring alternative dates for these games.”

- With reporting from Emma Duffy and Fintan O’Toole

- Updated to include Camogie Association statement

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