The Government have given the green light this evening for inter-county training to resume next month - while golf courses and tennis courts will reopen to the public.
Inter-county GAA teams will be allowed to train from April 19 to facilitate national league competitions starting in May before the All-Ireland Championships return to their regular summer slot. But U-20 and minor inter-county teams have not received clearance to return to training.
The following week, beginning April 26, golfers and tennis players around the country will be able to enjoy their favourite pastimes once again. With the extension of travel restrictions next month to county-wide or 20kms, it should allow for the vast majority to play at their clubs.
Meanwhile, children's non-contact training for outdoor sports can resume in pods of less than 15 from 26 April as the Government unveiled some minimal easing of restrictions amid the Covid-19 Level 5 lockdown.
In his speech this evening, the Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: "In 4 weeks, many of our outdoor sporting facilities will be open again. In over 7 weeks everyone over 70 will have been fully vaccinated.
We are on the final stretch of this terrible journey. This Summer, our businesses and our public services will safely reopen. We will finally be meeting and enjoying the company of friends and family once again. We will be able to travel within and enjoy our beautiful country again.
"Jobs and livelihoods will be restored. And most importantly, the worst of this awful pandemic will be behind us. Steadily, and safely, let’s get through this final phase together."
April 19
Expansion of elite sports to include:
- training for and playing of National Governing Body sanctioned and organised adult intercounty National Gaelic Games Leagues, not including under 20 or minor competitions.
- certain high performing athletes as approved by Sport Ireland, in a range of sports.
April 26
- Outdoor sports facilities can reopen (e.g. pitches, golf courses and tennis courts, other facilities as appropriate)
