THE chairman of Donegal club champions Naomh Conaill says the club stands to lose €50,000 by the end of the year following what he called a “mind-boggling” decision to force games behind closed doors.
Glenties chairman David Kelch said it was time “Croke Park stood up and showed a bit of leadership” but feels headquarters has “missed its chance”.
“It is mind-boggling because there has been no proof that any clusters have come from spectators at games, players at games or at training.
“We all know where the clusters are coming from, they are coming from house parties, from indoor scenarios - it is not out in the open.
“They need to think about this seriously as to how clubs will be affected.
“Not only clubs but club members but there is confusion already as you are only allowed 15 to train and how would that work?.”
Kelch says that their financial projections show they will be at a loss of €50,000 compared to 2019 and says it’s “not right” to stop supporters coming out to watch their club.
“We are at a loss as to how we are going to play our games behind closed doors.
“Who are you going to stop are we going to have to become like security men. I know that is not what any GAA official has signed up for.
“And you can’t stop people coming in on a gate, it is not right.
“Our club people are at a loss to understand this and they actually love getting out to the matches.
“Some of these people have nothing else in their lives and they use it meet up with a few friends even if it is just for only ten minutes.
“The detrimental effect this will have on people’s mental health will be immense”.
Donegal county chairman Mick McGrath also revealed that he had suggested to Croke Park that masks could be compulsory among supporters but says he “did not even get a reply”.
“We are disappointed and puzzled as we certainly been very supportive of all the restrictions that we have been asked to carry out since March 15,” said McGrath.
“It has not been easy by any means and we looked for 500 at the games and then agreed to cut that to 200.
“No evidence has been produced to back this drastic action, so we are asking the government to produce that evidence.
“To get the nation to work with you, you have to work with the nation and that is not happening at the moment.”
