GAA Covid-19 Update The following piece is a Covid-19 update from GAA Headquarters. The GAA continues to monitor closely the ongoing pandemic and the Government’s roadmap relating to the relaxation of restrictions. The Association notes that we remain in Phase One and await an update about the possible move to Phase Two on June 8th, as outlined by the authorities. Should the country move to Phase Two as planned, GAA Clubs will be able to re-open designated walking tracks on June 8th, subject to engagement with Croke Park around a facilities management plan.
We do not envisage a return to training in small groups in Phase Two and pitches and playing areas are to remain closed. However, as per the government roadmap, this may be reviewed in Phase Three. The GAA can also confirm that it will publish its Return to Safe Activity Document when the government signals that the country has moved to the second phase of its plan. This document will require approval from the government’s own expert group on Return to Sport, which we continue to work with. This group currently considers Gaelic games a ‘Phase 4’ sport.
Progress has also been made in re-configuring the 2020 GAA Kelloggs’ Cúl Camps and subject to the country moving onto the next phase of its recovery, we will provide more details about this initiative. The GAA has stuck rigidly to the government’s plan and dates from the outset of this outbreak and will continue to do so, taking advice from medical experts and our own Advisory Committee. We re-affirm our position that no one is keener to return to games and general games-related activity but this will only be considered when it is acceptable to do so to maximise the safety and well-being of our players, members and wider society.
GAA Roadmap A GAA roadmap pertaining to the reopening of club grounds will be drawn up in the coming weeks, but it remains unclear if pitches will remain closed until July 20. GAA director general Tom Ryan said last week the association’s Covid-19 advisory group is mapping out a “safe” and “controlled” reopening of GAA pitches. He added that it is “important” club grounds are reopened but did not specify if this would take place before Croke Park’s slated date of July 20th.
Praise for our Volunteers The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on a recent visit to the Croke Park Covid-19 Testing Centre has praised GAA Volunteers for responding to the most vulnerable in their communities during this crisis. A survey of GAA Clubs has found that 19,164 GAA Volunteers directly supported 34,571 people in a variety of ways. Colin O’Regan, GAA Community and Health Manager also praised the ongoing work of the association’s membership. He said, “it has become almost a cliché to state that the GAA is as much a community association as it is a sporting one. Covid-19 has brought that reality into sharp focus. The cessation of our games has allowed a spotlight to shine on the incredible work undertaken by our volunteers on behalf of our communities. This is a testament to the GAA’s values of community identity, teamwork, inclusiveness and respect, and shows that such values are not bound by the white lines of the playing field”.
Na Gaeil Volunteers Na Gaeil GAA Club volunteers continue to assist those cocooned in our community with their shopping requirements and also collecting medical supplies for them from their local pharmacies. We thank them for their great work. We are getting very positive feedback from the local community and everybody cocooned at home are very appreciative of the great work that you are doing. You are making a difference so keep up the good work. Please let people know that this service is available. You can contact any of the following co-ordinators: Mícheál Herlihy (0862438902); Cathy Carey (0863554499); Eddie Sheehy (0876791460), Colm O’Súilleabháin (0879080465); Tim Lynch (0874184239). You can also contact the shops directly. Please God we will all stay safe and come back stronger. Ní neart go cur le chéile.
Juveniles We hope that all our juvenile players are doing well and not finding the restrictions too taxing. The latest news coming through from GAA President John Horan informs us that groups of four players will not be allowed to gather in our pitches to train as previously stated on the government road map of re-opening phases. So for the moment we will have to continue training and practicing our skills in the back garden with members of our family.
Sympathy We offer our sincere sympathy to the Lynch family on the sad passing of Fred Lynch of St. Brendan’s Park and formerly of Boherbee, Tralee. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Ireland’s Fittest Family 2020 – Applications Open!
We are back for our eighth year and are currently looking for families from Kerry for the brand new series. Over the last seven years we’ve only seen two families from KERRY take part in the competition. The O’Mahonys in 2016 and the Pierse family in 2018. However, neither was able to take the title home. This year we want to see if there is another Kerry family that can go a little further than them. Have you and your family got what it takes to win Ireland’s most extreme fitness competition? This year will see the competition be more challenging than ever before! We are scouring the country to find the fittest, fastest and strongest families to be coached to victory by our four returning coaches, Davy Fitzgerald, Anna Geary, Derval O’Rourke and Donncha O’Callaghan. Mairéad Ronan is back to host the highly competitive tournament too. Given the current covid-19 pandemic, the production will follow HSE guidelines to ensure that strict social distancing and health and safety is adhered to throughout the competition by all crew and families taking part. Does your family have what it takes to win the €15,000 cash prize and be crowned Ireland’s Fittest Family 2020? If so, apply now!
Requirements
* Minimum age is 14 years old by 01 August 2020
* Each family must be comprised of four immediate members
* Series will be filmed between August – September, 2020
The online application form can be found at rte.ie/irelandsfittestfamily
If you have any questions you can email – fittestfamily@animotv.ie or call the production team on 085 837 5387.
Club Activities Suspended As you know all club activities are suspended until further notice. The pitch and the gym are closed until further guidelines are released by the government and the GAA.
Clubhouse The clubhouse will be closed for the foreseeable future. This means that our Monday night bingo, Tuesday night lotto and Wednesday night card playing are suspended indefinitely as well as all other activities that normally took place there on a weekly basis.
Clothes Collection There is now a Clothes Collection Bin situated in Na Gaeil car park for use by all members of the public.
