GAA inter-county league games could begin in August, with an old-school, straight knockout, championship beginning immediately afterwards, it has emerged.
According to the Republic’s five-stage plan to ease Covid-19 restrictions, published on Friday, GAA teams across the border could begin non-contact training in small groups during phase two (from June 8).
Subject to infection rates being kept relatively low, sporting activities can resume behind closed doors during stage three (June 29), but league and competition fixtures cannot start until stage four (July 20). Limits would be placed on numbers attending, with social distancing in place.
Larger crowds could gather in stage five (August 10), but only where social distancing can be maintained.
The Irish News has learned that discussions have taken place timetabling a resumption of the inter-county game in line with the framework.
It is understood that club action will return first, allowing county players the opportunity to get game-time which would help to prepare them for the resumption of inter-county action in August.
Stormont has yet to reveal its plan for a phased easing of restrictions.
It’s believed that the GAA is anticipating a provincial series, including a knockout Ulster championship, with the winners going straight into the All-Ireland semi-finals.
The GAA has not commented officially on the Irish Government’s plan or Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s suggestion that the All-Ireland championship could be played this year behind closed doors.
The Taoiseach made the comment on RTE’s Late Late Show on Friday night, but said it would ultimately be a matter for the GAA.
GAA headquarters is expected to give its response to the developments this week.
But speaking on RTE’s Sunday Sport, Wexford hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald cautioned against rushing back into sporting action.
“We got the roadmap the other night, but I'd prefer to leave it a month, or so, before we make any decisions on different things,” he said.
GAA President John Horan suggested last week that both club and inter-country championships could run into 2021, with club fixtures the first to get back up and running.
Ulster Council secretary Brian McAvoy told The Irish News on Friday that the provincial body had already considered the prospect of no Ulster Championship this year. He said the financial impact of the pandemic will have “a knock-on effect for many years to come”.
