Northern Ireland

GPA will 'consult closely with the GAA' amid Tyrone squad coronavirus crisis

The Tyrone management team of Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher have seen considerable Covid-related upheaval in recent weeks. Picture by Philip Walsh
The Tyrone management team of Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher have seen considerable Covid-related upheaval in recent weeks. Picture by Philip Walsh The Tyrone management team of Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher have seen considerable Covid-related upheaval in recent weeks. Picture by Philip Walsh

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) last night said it would “consult closely with the GAA” to ensure adequate time is given to the Tyrone squad to assess the welfare of players amid its coronavirus crisis.

In a statement, Tom Parsons of the GPA said that the players’ “health and wellbeing is our primary concern”.

It comes after politicians appealed to the GAA to further delay the rescheduled All-Ireland football semi-final against Kerry on August 21 to allow Tyrone the “opportunity to compete”.

The Red Hand senior squad has said it may not be in a position to field a team for the game due to the number of members testing positive and others forced to self-isolate as close contacts of confirmed cases.

The eagerly-awaited match at Croke Park, due to be played this Sunday, was put back by the GAA by six days following the outbreak, with the All-Ireland final delayed until September 4.

Mr Parsons said the GPA had been in “ongoing contact” with the Tyrone squad since the positive Covid-19 cases arose.

“It’s important to note that players will always feel a deep sense of responsibility to play the game, represent their county and supporters, and will no doubt want to fulfil the All-Ireland semi-final fixture,” he said.

“However, it is imperative that their health and wellbeing is the priority in this situation.

“As such, we have offered support to the Tyrone squad through our comprehensive health screening.

“We will consult closely with the GAA to ensure adequate time is allowed to assess the welfare of players before a decision can be made by Tyrone.

“Above all we ask for respect to be shown to the amateur status of the players and that we are all mindful of the four teams who remain in the competition.

“Players will always want to play, but their welfare must come first in any decision made.”