John Horan GAA President Interview / Latest GAA and Club position on Return to Training / Play
We all may have heard Uachtaran Cummann Luthcleas Gael speaking on the Sunday Game last Sunday (available on the RTE player or on youtube and summary by Paul Keane in PDF format below – publication unattributed) and read the statement of the GAA last week (available at www.gaa.ie). Our organisation, the GAA, is clearly struggling to see how our sports, which are contact sports, can be played while public health advice remains to the effect that social distancing is a key weapon against Covid 19.
The reality of where we are is disappointing at many levels for us as members and particularly so for our members who coach and manage teams in all four codes and coach young people in Coiste and underage Camogie and Ladies Football but also most specifically for our players.
Following consultation specifically with the Chairs of our playing sections, the Executive advises that this is what current GAA policy means for Kilmacud Crokes
Our pitches and facilities will remain closed until 20th July 2020 at minimum.
No organised training or activities, including organised activities in groups of four, can take place before that date at a minimum.
This does not bar on-line / remote training sessions once they adhere to GAA Guidelines in this regard. The setting of programmes for panels or individuals remains permissible subject to those being carried out by individuals or household groups. It is important to note that such sessions are not, unfortunately, covered by our insurance policies
What our members do as citizens and members of society will be for themselves to manage. Our club however must ensure that what we as a club do is safe and wise.
We will continue to look to Government and the GAA (which has formed a committee of medical experts and representatives of GAA, LGFA and the Camogie association to advise and guide the organisation) to point the way forward for our club.
In the meantime let’s stay safe and keep our families safe. Our adult players and members will continue supporting our community by collecting those messages and prescriptions and fixing those household plumbing and other emergences that can cause such challenge for vulnerable people staying at home.
Ní neart go chur le chéile.
Kevin Foley
Chairperson
