The government's decision to remove elite status from inter-county activity has angered many GAA fans.
It means that no training or games can take place while Level 5 restrictions remain in place and it appears as though competitive action will not resume until May at the earliest.
A number of supporters are furious with the decision, with some questioning why the League of Ireland can start back next month but inter-county activity cannot.
Explaining the reason for this, Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers told Today with Claire Byrne on RTE Radio 1: "In the roadmap that was published last autumn, we gave exemptions for professional sports. For example, the League of Ireland is a professional league. That is the distinction.
"But we do want to review the plan and how we live with Covid. That is why sport will be included in that.
"To be clear, the government has been very thankful to the GAA and broader sporting organisations for supporting the public health effort. I want to see the Championship this year. I want to see our young people getting back playing.
"When the GAA Championship was run off, that was done in the context of Level 5 and there was a concession outside of Level 5 framework approved by government. Once the Championship finished in December, as you know there was no fixtures scheduled at that point.
"There was also a very difficult Level 5 lockdown for the country so the regulations didn't capture that because there was no fixtures in the current schedule. The concession concluded at the end of last year.
"When you look at the context of the number of cases in January, that is why the government is revising the plan. I haven't any communication from NPHET on this. It is a case of giving a direct answer on a concession for inter-county GAA."
But many people in the GAA community are furious with the decision.
Former Armagh and Crossmaglen goalkeeper Paul Hearty tweeted: "Very disappointing GAA not recognised as a elite sport, and allowed to resume. What criteria did we not meet?
"1. Do players not revolve their lives around the sport?
"2. Does the game not bring in enough viewing figures?
"3. Do we not provide enough enjoyment (or pain) to the fans?"
RTE's Des Cahill posted: "The big question for me is WHY is the Government not recognising inter-county #GAA as "elite sport" this time? Has it anything to do with breaches of the training ban?"
Another Twitter user said: "The more I think about it, the more it makes my blood boil.
"There is bound to be a backlash. Elite sport is exempt to keep us all sane surely and GAA competition commands a huge following."
Someone else added: "Can someone answer this...if inter county GAA was elite sport in 2020 - what has changed in 2021?"
One other supporter commented: "Are we as an association going to accept this decision or are we not going to question why we have lost our elite status. Time to stand up for all members of the GAA."
