Competitive sport in Northern Ireland can resume on Friday.
The news was confirmed today in the latest update from the NI Executive.
All indoor sports facilities except swimming pools will also be allowed to reopen from July 17.
Sport has been suspended here since the beginning of March but is starting to return to some normality.
On Friday outdoor competitive games and sporting events can start again. This covers both grassroots and professional competitive games and events.
This month will see Irish Cup football return with the semi-finals and final due to be played in the last week of July at Windsor Park.
Horse racing is also set to resume with cards at Down Royal and Downpatrick planned, with GAA also set to return.
However, no spectators will be allowed to attend sporting events until there is a further ease in restrictions.
"The Executive has endorsed a return to competition, albeit without spectators, and has agreed that indoor sports facilities can reopen on 17 July," said Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín.
"These decisions are based on the latest scientific and health advice and it is more important than ever to emphasise that everyone has a personal responsibility to follow the guidance and to protect those around them.
"I trust that sports people, clubs and governing bodies are compliant with the guidance that is out there."
The minister said that it is hoped that spectators can return to watch sporting events in "due course".
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