Meath GAA club Simonstown Gaels have confirmed that one of their players has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.
And another player from the Navan-based club is in self-isolation for two weeks. The pair had recently returned from a holiday in Italy.
In a statement released by the club today, chairman Mel O'Rourke said: "We wish to inform all concerned that on 10th March, a member of the club tested positive for Covid-19.
"This member is an adult player who recently went on holiday in Italy and we wish the club member a full and speedy recovery.
"The player was one of two players from the club on the trip abroad. In advance of their return these players were requested by team management to undertake and readily agree to a period of two weeks of self-isolation
The second player is still in isolation and currently showing no signs of symptoms. Neither player has visited the club since their return.
"The club informed the HSE and the county board of this development and is seeking advice and guidance from the HSE as we believe that our duty of care to our members and community in general is of paramount importance.
"We take this opportunity to ask that everyone respect the privacy of the players in question and their families and also ask that members acquire their information from reliable and verified sources."
Meath GAA chiefs have given their full backing to the club on it's handling of the situation.
"We fully support Simonstown Gaels and compliment them on the diligent approach they have taken in dealing with the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in their GAA Club," read a statement form the Royals county board.
"We encourage all our clubs to fully implement the guidelines from the HSE that they received earlier in the week.
"Meath GAA is in liaison with the GAA Central Council and the HSE regarding the well-being of our members across the county.
"All GAA games in Meath will continue as planned unless we receive direction from the GAA and the HSE. We are fully prepared to heed the advice of the medical experts.
