Let the games continue: Westmeath GAA to play weekend fixtures

The Westmeath club football championship matches arranged for this weekend will go ahead as planned.

There had been strong speculation that Westmeath GAA officials would suspend games until spectators would be allowed to be in attendance again.

Westmeath GAA chairman Billy Foley expressed his personal view that he would prefer games not to played in the absence of supporters, and he described the ban on spectators as "nonsensical".

In a statement released this morning (Thursday), Westmeath GAA secretary Pat Reilly said that, at the Management Committee meeting held last night, "a decision was taken to proceed with this weekend's football championship fixtures behind closed doors".

"Unfortunately this means that there will be no spectators present at any of the matches. I want to thank everyone for their help and understanding to date, and while the imposition of the restrictions on us all is frustrating and disappointing, I would ask everyone to continue the good work and we will come out the other side," stated Mr Reilly.

While no decision has been taken on fixtures beyond this weekend, it's considered unlikely that Westmeath GAA will halt games unless directed to do so by national authorities, or if a major Covid-19 outbreak in the county occurs.

For this weekend's Westmeath GAA fixtures and which games will be shown on Iarmhí TV, click HERE

Meanwhile, the Westmeath county committee meeting scheduled to take place in online format tonight (Thursday) has been postponed. It is expected to be rescheduled for early next week when the county board has more information regarding the current Covid-19 restrictions.

One of the purposes of the meeting was to fill the position of assistant treasurer, as agreed at last year's annual convention. At the time of writing, there was only one nomination for the position, Dermot Fox of Athlone GAA club.

Last Tuesday night, the GAA at national level invited Dr Ronan Glynn (Ireland's acting Chief Medical Officer) and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to present the "empirical evidence" which informed the new restrictions on sporting activities.

The GAA issued an invitation to Dr Glynn to meet with its Covid-19 advisory group without delay. It also stated that the GAA and its members "remain at all times committed to protecting public health".

The GAA has since clarified a number of issues after the Government’s decision that no spectators should attend sporting fixtures.

Croke Park have said that no more than 40 persons per team are allowed at a game which includes players and backroom team members.

The GAA also suggest that one parent may attend a game where a juvenile is playing.

In an email signed by GAA President John Horan and Director General Tom Ryan, clubs were told that training can continue but must be broken into groups of 15.

"As games must now be played 'behind closed doors', no more than 40 persons per team should be allowed access to games for the moment. This figure should include all players, management, coaches, ancillary backroom personnel and team officials.

“The 80 team personnel (40 per team) is in addition to essential match day personnel such as match officials (referees, linesmen, umpires), 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.

“As ever, the Association asks units and members do their utmost to protect public health and we are very grateful for all of your efforts in this regard.”