Football

GAA extends shutdown until April 19 with club activity clamped down on

THE GAA has confirmed last night that its shutdown will be extended to April 19, having originally been set for March 29
THE GAA has confirmed last night that its shutdown will be extended to April 19, having originally been set for March 29 THE GAA has confirmed last night that its shutdown will be extended to April 19, having originally been set for March 29

THE GAA confirmed last night that its shutdown would be extended to April 19 - falling into line with the Irish government’s decision to introduce fresh measures to try and contain the spread of the coronavirus.

All GAA fixtures and activities had previously been suspended until this Sunday (March 29), although this always looked likely to be a stopgap measure until a further announcement was made.

The Association has also ramped up its own shutdown, with clubs ordered to “close their facilities completely” in a joint statement from director general Tom Ryan and president John Horan.

“This is to include the use of all pitches and property for recreational purposes, including walking, casual games or gatherings,” read the statement.

“Where it is not possible to restrict access please erect signage to the effect that all GAA facilities are closed and all activity suspended.”

Clubs have also been advised that they can continue with membership registration while being “mindful of the possible changed financial circumstances of members”, while club lottos may proceed if they are run on an online basis “and do not involve wholesale engagement with the public”.

“Clubs are also advised to refrain from undertaking new capital projects while support funding for this type of work is suspended.”