The incidence of Covid 19 cases in Donegal remains high and a cause of concern for the HSE. CLG Dhún na nGall are currently working closely with the HSE both to improve adherence to Covid 19 regulations and to set up additional walk-in pop-up centres in some of the County’s problem localities. The GAA President Larry McCarthy has written to all GAA units within the Country to update them on the latest briefing the GAA have got from Government. It is hoped that Donegal can get on top of the latest spike in cases in the County and avert any possibility that Donegal would be singled out for special restrictions that leave us lagging the rest of Ireland on the path back to normality. All the most recent sets guidelines for the return to play, media protocols, return to training etc can be found under the Wellness tab on DonegalGAA.ie
Here is the text of the President’s letter.
A chara,
As indicated in last Friday’s communication, we have now received clarity on a number of matters from the Irish Government in relation to the further relaxation of restrictions.
Information for Clubs
Adult Return to Training and Games (26 Counties only):
A reminder that from this Monday, May 10th Outdoor training is permitted at adult level in pods of a maximum of 15 people (including coaches) in the 26 Counties. However, games are not allowed, and indoor facilities must remain closed (exception: Toilet facilities).
From June 7th, and subject to the Public Health situation at the time, Club games will be permitted at all levels but must be played “behind closed doors”.
In the interim, we would remind all Clubs in the 26 Counties of the following:
– Until May 10th, only training for underage teams (non-contact and in pods of 15) is permitted. “Underage teams” means any registered team at U-18 level or below.
– All indoor facilities must remain closed (exception: toilet facilities).
– Fundraising events on GAA property are not currently permitted.
– Gym facilities must remain closed (exception: Senior Inter County players may use their relevant Club Gym for individual training as long as they are following the advice in the Inter County Return to Training and Play document)
Construction work We have received a number of queries in relation to whether construction work at club and county grounds can recommence – this has been permitted from May 4th last.
Fundraising Events Outdoor fundraising events on GAA property are not currently permitted in either jurisdiction. This includes drive in events (such as Drive in Bingo or Drive in Movies). We await further clarification from governments and will provide a further update when available.
Information for Counties:
Inter County Challenge Matches Challenge matches at senior level only in both the 26 and 6 Counties can take place from next Monday, May 10th.
Minor/U20 Training and Return to Games Training for both 2020 and 2021 Minor and U20 squads can begin from next Monday, May 10th on a full contact basis. Games in these cohorts will be permitted from June 7th. In the coming days, the C.C.C.C. will publish a schedule for both the completion of 2020 competitions and dates for 2021 inter county competitions at Minor and U20.
Attendance of Backroom Teams/Additional Panel Members The matchday panel for 2021 will be limited to what is provided for in general rule – 26 players (Senior), 24 (Minor/U20). For safety purposes and in order to minimise covid risk, only these players will be granted entry to the controlled zone (Dressing Room and pitch side area). However, for the upcoming Allianz Leagues and Senior inter-county championship games, additional panel members can be accommodated in general viewing areas. Counties will be contacted in the coming days and asked to register the names of all playing members of their panels with the C.C.C.C.
As in 2020, a maximum of 14 additional backroom personnel only will be granted access to the venue and controlled zone. The ultimate composition of this number is at each county’s discretion but must contain the County Chairperson and Secretary (or their nominees).
In total 40 persons per Team only are permitted access to the controlled zone (38 for Minor/U20) on match days. Additional players, outside of the match day 26, must accommodated elsewhere (i.e., general viewing areas).
Where on-site post-match catering is being provided, an additional two caterers may be granted access to the dressing rooms only, and once the half time interval has been completed.
Outside of the provisions above, and those allowable for media purposes, all games must remain behind “closed doors” for the moment and no spectators are permitted to attend.
For the Allianz Leagues, the Travelling County must forward a list of their full panel and nominated backroom personnel (maximum 14) to the Home County not later than noon on the Wednesday before a weekend game. The list should separately indicate the starting 15 players, 11 substitutes, the nominated backroom personnel (14) and the additional panel members that will be allowed access to the venue.
An official Match Day Team Sheet that can be completed for this purpose will shortly be circulated by our Player, Club and Games Administration Department.
Is muide, le meas,
Labhrás Mac Carthaigh Tomás Ó Riain
Uachtarán Ard Stiúrthóir
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Wed 5th May
