ANTRIM and Kerry’s hurlers will not be permitted to stay in Croke Park after Sunday’s Joe McDonagh Cup final to watch the senior All-Ireland decider.
The move represents a lack of shift in the government’s position on spectators, as which the players from the first game would be classed for the second game, leaving the GAA’s hands tied.
It is in keeping with all recent GAA double-headers and is as a result of strict government restrictions on who is able to attend each game.
Both Antrim and Kerry have been informed they must leave the stadium after their presentation, and cannot be present to watch the second tie.
The GAA have offered to feed them after the game as is tradition, but it’s unclear whether they will take up the offer, given that by accepting it would mean they would be unlikely to see the senior game.
It appears likely that both Antrim and Kerry will make their own post-match arrangements for that reason.
No recent approach has been made to the government by the GAA for special dispensation to allow a limited number of spectators in to the All-Ireland finals.
The GAA, along with the IRFU and FAI, had made a detailed proposal to government for a phased return of spectators earlier in the autumn, but to no avail.
The second-tier final will take place at 1pm, with the All-Ireland senior decider between Limerick and Waterford following at 3.30pm.
The Irish government has, since returning to level three lockdown, permitted inter-county teams to bring their extended panel to games, which hadn’t been the case until the All-Ireland semi-finals.
“There has been no movement from the government in relation to families or spectators - or indeed additional backroom team members - attending. The only exception has been the additional panel members since last weekend,” said GAA director of communications, Alan Milton.
“In keeping with all double headers to date, the players from the first game cannot stay to watch the second game. It is our intention to feed those panels separately after the first game,” he added.
Until the All-Ireland semi-finals, teams were limited to a total of 40 people, which was made up of their playing squad of 26, management and medical teams, and two county board officials, one of whom is required to sign teamsheets and sub slips.
Teams are permitted to use the changing rooms at their own discretion, although there is currently no indoor warm-up area in use as that has been taken to extend the changing areas.
The four counties involved this weekend will be able to bring the rest of their playing panel in to Croke Park, but the Joe McDonagh Cup finalists have been told they cannot take seats in the stand after their presentation has finished.
