Sporting events in Ireland will be held behind-closed-doors after the Government announced new protocols to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Up to 200 people had been allowed to attend sporting events, with that figure including participants such as referees, players and management.
However, spectators are now banned from sports such as Gaelic games and soccer in a response to the recent surge in coronavirus cases.
Crowds at games had been due to increase to 500 as part of phase four of the easing of coronavirus restrictions but those plans were shelved earlier this month.
Indoor gatherings are to be limited to six people in one house under the new rules confirmed by Taoiseach Micheal Martin this evening - while pubs and restaurants are subject to different restrictions. The new measures on gatherings will be in place until September 13 at the earliest.
PRO14 rugby returns this weekend with the meeting of Leinster and Munster at an empty Aviva Stadium.
GAA Club Championship matches and League of Ireland soccer fixtures had been held with up to 200 people in attendance, but look set to be restricted to players, management and officials only.
GAA chiefs have hoped for some form of attendance to be permitted at the rescheduled All-Ireland Championships, which get underway in October and conclude in December this year.
But the latest Government measures appear to have cast serious doubt over that possibility.
