Football

Green light from GAA to clubs in six counties to resume

It is understood the GAA has given the green light to clubs in the six counties to resume training in groups of 15 on April 12, a date that was first announced by the Northern Ireland Executive
It is understood the GAA has given the green light to clubs in the six counties to resume training in groups of 15 on April 12, a date that was first announced by the Northern Ireland Executive It is understood the GAA has given the green light to clubs in the six counties to resume training in groups of 15 on April 12, a date that was first announced by the Northern Ireland Executive

THE GAA's COVID Advisory Group has given the green light for club activity in the six counties to resume on April 12.

The Northern Ireland Executive announced that date for a return of outdoor sports in groups of 15 for all ages - and it is understood the GAA has rubber-stamped it.

There is no return date for club action in the 26 counties due to worrying COVID rates and a stuttering vaccination programme.

However, a resumption for U18s could be as early as April 5, but nothing will be confirmed until the Irish Government outline in more detail their plans to lift restrictions next Tuesday.

Club activity at adult level may be further down the tracks in the south.

As the GAA moves tentatively towards a safe return to Gaelic Games, English GAA clubs are expected to be the first unit to return to competitive action as early as April 17.

The Province of Britain yesterday announced English clubs will be able to move to Phase Four (full contact training) on March 29 before competitive play resumes on April 17 “subject to guidance and adherence to [the] COVID safe facilities plan”.

GAA clubs in Scotland are currently allowed to engage in non-contact training before an anticipated move to competitive action in mid-May, while the Welsh could be as early as April 22.

Meanwhile, inter-county training is expected to resume on April 5 across the country – ‘elite’ status has been all but restored to the GAA – with the scaled back National Football Leagues commencing on May 8/9.

Even though inter-county teams in the north are able to train under Northern Ireland Executive guidance, the Association will almost certainly move as a 32-county body at elite level.