GAA president John Horan has urged GAA fans to remain patient after the government extended the limit on crowds at sporting events.
NPHET advice meant that the cabinet this evening shelved plans to increase crowd sizes from 200 to 500, meaning that the figure stays in place for at least another three weeks.
It comes after the GAA publically lobbied the government to loosen restrictions as county club championships kicked off around the country.
And Horan has called on members to respect the government's decision.
"We don't want our members becoming too despondent or disheartened," Horan said.
"What's important is that we have the games back and we keep them back and we continue to be vigilant and show leadership.
"This isn't going as fast as we want but we're still moving in the right direction.
"We made a strong case to both the Government and NPHET around the use of our bigger stadia for crowds of up to 400 excluding the players.
"But, obviously, with the numbers turning in the last few days they felt they couldn't acede to our request and we have to respect that decision."
The move is a major blow to the GAA, and it now looks increasingly likely that this year's inter-county championships will be played on front of very few fans.
This afternoon, Croke Park chiefs cancelled the 2020 season ticket and will issue partial refunds to thousands of fans as they claimed that a lack of clarity from Government on spectator numbers left the association with no choice but to make an 'unwelcome decision'.
Horan continued: ""I'd like to compliment the clubs and our volunteer leadership for all they've done and encourage people that if they suspect they have a case to come forward and be tested.
"It's important we treat people with respect and support if they are diagnosed with Covid-19. There should be no stigma whatsoever attached to this illness.
"We all have to keep doing the right things and hopefully things will turn for us in three weeks' time and we'll then be able to get more people to attend games.
"But the most important thing is that we don't lose what we've gotten back so far. The playing of games and people being able to go training."
