Football

Counties should avoid club double-headers: McAvoy

The opening round of straight knockout club championship games in Tyrone include plans for seven double-headers across six different venues in mid-August. Picture by Philip Walsh
The opening round of straight knockout club championship games in Tyrone include plans for seven double-headers across six different venues in mid-August. Picture by Philip Walsh The opening round of straight knockout club championship games in Tyrone include plans for seven double-headers across six different venues in mid-August. Picture by Philip Walsh

COUNTY boards should avoid scheduling club championship double-headers where possible, believes Ulster GAA chief Brian McAvoy.

Currently no spectators can attend games in the six counties, with matches resuming last night in Down behind closed doors.

The GAA had been hoping the NI executive would have lifted the stay before this weekend, but nationally the association was dealt a blow earlier this week when the Irish government delayed its plans to raise the limit on outdoor events from 200 people to 500.

That will not now happen until at least mid-August, and it appears extremely unlikely that the six counties would move ahead of that timeline.

Tyrone’s opening weekend of straight knockout football championship games, scheduled between August 13 and 18, currently contains plans for seven double-headers across six different venues.

However, with players, coaches and officials counted among the number of people allowed to attend an event, a 200-person limit on a double-header would almost be reached by the teams alone.

While Ulster GAA will not dictate to counties on how to run their fixtures, McAvoy believes that games should be played as standalone fixtures where possible.

“It’s a matter for each county. Personally, I’d advise for no double-billers. It’s easier to manage when there’s no double-billers.

“If you have a double-biller and you have a 200 capacity, you’re effectively playing behind closed doors, because that’s it gone.

“Given the year that’s in it, where double-billers can be avoided, I’d certainly avoid them. It’s a matter for each county.”

Clubs and counties are facing a logistical nightmare in terms of trying to cap crowds and satisfy demand from their own members.

The news was welcomed yesterday that Croke Park had reached an agreement with RTÉ and TG4 that will allow counties to live stream games at the same time as TV broadcasts.