GAA expresses 'extreme disappointment' at potential Covid guidelines breach

GAA authorities have expressed 'frustration' and 'extreme disappointment' in acknowledging reports of a potential breach of both its own Covid guidelines and those of the government relating to the restrictions in place around team training.

According to a report in today's Irish Independent, at least nine Dublin senior team players engaged in a series of group training drills yesterday (Wednesday) morning at Innisfails GAA Club in the north of the county.

In a statement issued through its communications department today, the GAA said: “Less than 48 hours ago, the association reiterated its commitment to these current guidelines and called for continued compliance in the weeks ahead.

“The GAA will pursue the allegations with the units in question at the earliest opportunity and will invoke any necessary disciplinary processes as appropriate.

“In the meantime, while we acknowledge that the overwhelming majority of counties and clubs have complied in an appropriate and responsible way with the restrictions currently in place, we once again call on our members and units to uphold the integrity of the association as part of our ongoing efforts to play our role in thwarting the virus and ensuring a return to activity when it is safe to do so.”

At a Mayo GAA County Board meeting last night (Wednesday), secretary Dermot Butler asked delegates to go back to their clubs and reiterate their responsibilities to abide by the government and the GAA's Covid-19 guidelines.