The GAA has issued an update ahead of the return of crowds to games later this month.
This weekend’s Allianz Hurling League games are set to be the last played behind closed doors as, from next Monday, crowds of 100 are allowed to attend games in the Republic of Ireland, while 200 will be permitted at grounds with a capacity greater than 5,000.
The GAA has confirmed that these numbers will be in addition to players, team personnel, stewards and media.
In a joint statement from GAA president Larry McCarthy and director general Tom Ryan, they said: “It is likely that from July 5th, up to 200 spectators may be permitted to attend games, and up to 500 may be permitted in grounds with a minimum capacity of 5,000.
“However this will depend on progress in broader society – if these increases are to be permitted, we will advise in advance of July 5th.”
The situation is more advanced in Northern Ireland, where crowds of 500 were allowed to attend four Allianz Football League games last weekend.
They also confirmed that, for underage games, parents attending in a child-protection capacity will count as part of the 100 spectators.
For now at least, club dressing rooms must remain closed, similar to last year, with players instructed to “arrive ready to warm-up and play and leave the ground once the relevant game is over”.
In line with the rest of the country, club bars will be allowed to serve food and drink outdoors from next Monday, while events like drive-in cinema and drive-in bingo will also be permitted along with family fundays, provided numbers don’t exceed 100.
Club meetings must continue to be held virtually, however.
The statement added: “It is worth noting however that the Government have made provisions for indoor events to be allowed return from July 5th.
“However, these will be subject to a maximum of 50 attendees, in groups of up to 6 people and with arrangements in place to ensure no intermingling of groups. Again we will advise further in this context in advance of July 5th.”
