GAA hopeful of club level training resuming in May

THE GAA is hopeful of a return to training at club level in May, as they prepare to roll out their plans for 2021 this week.

At present, only inter-county and juvenile club teams can return to training this month from April 19 and April 26 respectively.

All club teams north of the border can resume training in a limited capacity from Monday, April 12, following a relaxation of government restrictions in the north.

In the GAA's April club newsletter, they said that they are hopeful that all club action can get the green light to resume at some point in May.

"In the coming weeks activity will return to GAA pitches all over the country. They are but the first tentative steps in Ireland's easing of restrictions north and south, and they are dependent on virus numbers being manageable, but for the first time in a long time, there is hope again," read the newsletter, “ said the GAA in the their latest club newsletter.

"A revised fixture schedule for the GAA season with inter-county competitions followed by a clear slot for club championship will be released on the weekend of April 9.

"In the 26 counties, juvenile training in non-contact pods will be allowed from April 26. There is no fixed date on when adult club training can resume but it is hoped that this might follow soon after some time in May if government permits.

"Seeing our clubs with their gates open and people playing, and especially young people back out in the open air with their friends will be worth the wait.

"The end is hopefully in sight. Please hold firm."

An appeal was also issued for clubs to adhere to restrictions., following the fall-out of the Dublin senior footballers' training session last week which led to manager Dessie Farrell getting a 12-week suspension from his own county board.

GAA president Larry McCarthy said during the weekend that another high-profile breach could plunge the return of inter-county action into doubt.

"Vigilance remains absolutely vital. So too, does compliance with public health guidance," the GAA added.

"Breaches at club and county level in recent weeks have brought the spotlight on our association and threaten