Sport not included in new outdoor restrictions issued by NI Executive
- Published
GAA games will not have to be held behind closed doors despite new restrictions on outdoor gatherings
A limited number of spectators will still be able to attend outdoor sporting events in Northern Ireland despite the Executive re-introducing a number of restrictions to combat the rising number of Covid-19 cases.
Outdoor gatherings have been reduced from 30 to 15 people, but this does not apply to sports teams.
Earlier this week the government in the Republic of Ireland announced that spectators would be banned from events until at least 13 September as coronavirus cases rise.
However the NI Executive has opted against replicating this approach, with Health Minister Robin Swann warning that he could not rule out further restrictions if cases continue to increase.
"Indoor and outdoor sporting events can involve more than 15 people spectating as long as a risk assessment has been carried out, relevant Departmental guidance followed, and suitable and sufficient measures have been put in place to minimise the risk of transmission of the disease," said a Department of Health spokesperson.
The news will be welcomed by the sporting community in Northern Ireland, who were braced for a hammer blow similar to the one felt in the Republic.
Ulster GAA has allowed up to 400 spectators at games since club competition began in July, while road racing fans are hoping to return to the sport for the short circuit meeting at Kirkistown on 5 September followed by the Cookstown 100 a week later.
With Ulster Rugby's games in the short-term being played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and, most likely other away venues, if they do reach the closing stages of the Pro14 and the local football season is scheduled to start on 17 October, Thursday's Executive decision was unlikely to have as many implications for these two sports as they will for the GAA, whose condensed club season is now in full swing.
Following Taoiseach Micheal Martin's announcement on Tuesday, the GAA reacted quickly by saying that it was seeking "empirical evidence" from Irish Government experts on why the additional measures to counter Covid-19 had been introduced.
The GAA also asked the Republic's Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn to meet with the association's Covid Advisory Group "without delay".
Brian McAvoy, secretary of the Ulster Council, said decisions on attendances in GAA matches in Northern Ireland would depend on the size of the venue and how well people can social distance.
"In the interests of overall public safety we've capped our numbers at 400, though we know from advice received from statutory authorities that our larger designated stadia could safely accommodate an increased number," he said.
"We will however continue to self-regulate in line with overall Government guidance. One piece of advice does remain the same- if you do not have a ticket for any of our games, don't travel to the ground."
Training in Republic must be in groups of 15
Prior to that meeting, the GAA said that teams in the Republic of Ireland should have no more than 40 personnel at games, which includes players and all the backroom team.
The GAA said that one parent could attend a game where a juvenile is playing.
In an email signed by the association's President John Horan and Director General Tom Ryan, clubs were also told training could continue but would have to be broken into groups of 15.
"The GAA is seeking clarification on a number of issues relating to the organisation of Gaelic games and activities [26 Counties]," said the email.
"As soon as we get clarity on these issues we will update our units.
"The 80 team personnel [40 per team] is in addition to essential match day personnel such as match officials, media and event officials [stewards etc].
"While we await further clarification on the issue of parents attending juvenile games we suggest that one parent or guardian may attend a game where they consider it necessary for the welfare of their own child.
"Cúl Camps and Team training should continue for the moment on the basis of no more than 15 people (including coaches) in a designated area of the field."