There are extreme concerns that a group of Dubliners may have broken Level 3 restrictions on one weekend to travel over 350km for a huge event in Munster.
A Garda investigation has been launched to find if Covid-19 travel restrictions were breached as a Rowing Ireland spectacle was held on the coast of Kerry in Portmagee - over 220 miles away from Dublin
The National Coastal Rowing Championships took place in the Kingdom on September 26 and 27.
But eyebrows have been raised as it is feared that competitors and fans alike may have travelled from the capital and Donegal to attend, both of which were firmly locked in under Level 3 rules at the time.
A spokesman for Gardai confirmed that they were trying to establish if any rules had been breached by those attending the coastal rowing event which is being described as the "fastest growing sport in the world".
He said: "Killarney Gardai are making enquiries into a sporting event held in Portmagee, County Kerry, on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27.
"Gardai are trying to establish if there were any breaches of the public health regulations."
He added: "For any potential breaches of the public health regulations, a file is prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions in each case.
Domestic travel advice issued by Sport Ireland states that "competitors and officials only may travel from Level 3 areas to compete".
It states: "In certain Levels of the Plan, people will be advised to stay in their county or other defined geographical area apart from work, education and other essential purposes, if appropriate.
"Where Sporting Activity is allowed i.e. for professional, elite, inter-county sports, senior club championship etc. travel will be permissible by participants and support personnel to fulfil these pre-existing fixtures.
"Travel for sports training or competition outside of these purposes should not take place.
"In addition, travel should not take place to spectate sport when there is a ‘no travel’ notice."
It adds: "Under the above guidelines, competitors and officials may travel from Level 3 areas to compete in sporting events.
"While this is permitted, the appointment of Level 3 residents to official roles should be avoided if possible to avoid unnecessary travel. Social Distancing protocols should be followed at all times."
