A chairde,
We hope you and your families are well during these unusual and challenging times for the country.
We would like to acknowledge the incredible efforts of so many of our clubs and members in community assistance projects with as many as 90% confirming in our Club Survey that they have been active in one way or another over the last eight weeks in helping those who need it most.
On the games front, the GAA has confirmed that no official on-field activity will resume before July 20 and our facilities will remain closed until that date. We do not expect any inter-county championship games before October 1.
The GAA will issue detailed advice before any return to play, outlining the steps we have to take to facilitate the re-commencement of our training and games, both in terms of physical engagement and around the use of our facilities.
As previously stated, the GAA Player Injury Scheme will remain closed until an official return to activity is confirmed.
In the weeks ahead our County Committees will be devising revised competition schedules for each county for games and activities at all levels and grades and that information will be shared when those arrangements are finalised and we have clarity around the government timelines.
Clubs are reminded that membership and public liability will need to be in place for the return of our activities and are advised to process same in the weeks ahead.
Allowing for the complexities associated with the current situation, the GAA continues to plan for the staging of this year’s Kellogg’s Cúl Camps and will communicate any changes to this approach with our clubs if they arise.
The maintenance of facilities can continue while adhering to the guidelines and as of May 18 construction work on our grounds is also permitted and clubs should liaise with their County Committees on this issue.
The Association has also been asked to urge our club units to promote best practice when it comes to social distancing at funerals while the current restrictions are in place.
In keeping with our approach to date, the Association will continue to liaise with government officials and experts, both north and south, and study their guidelines and advice regarding the resumption of sport.
Finally, our clubs and counties have played an important role in the effort against the pandemic and we thank all of our members for their work in this regard.
We also underline the importance of continuing to adhere to the guidelines to ensure that the country as a whole meets its targets in the coming weeks allowing us to make progress and facilitate a return to games when it is safe to do so.
Your role in this process, and that of your members, is as important as ever.
Go raibh maith agaibh.
Seán Ó hÓráin Tomás Ó Riain
Uachtarán Ard Stiúrthóir
By Mary Morgan Thu 7th May
