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'If GAA postponement helps vulnerable people, it's worthwhile' | Alan Milton on measures

The GAA postponed matches and training to help the more vulnerable people in Ireland, by not incr...



'If GAA postponement helps vul...
Hurling

'If GAA postponement helps vulnerable people, it's worthwhile' | Alan Milton on measures

The GAA postponed matches and training to help the more vulnerable people in Ireland, by not increasing the risk of spreading coronavirus.

GAA Communications Officer Alan Milton joined Off The Ball to discuss the measures and why they were taken.

"There has been a lot of soul-searching over recent weeks, we have been liaising with the HSE because they are the medical experts.

"It is a fast-moving situation, but the game-changer for us was when the schools were closed because I don't think that you could justifiably expect children to a training session or match situation when they are not being trusted to go to school.

"For the wider benefit, I think it was the correct call to make and I just hope that it has a positive impact on the public health of the nation."

Milton said that the postponement denies clubs and counties the match situations, but not the ability to open the bars at the clubs - which is at their discretion.

"Asking people to come [to Croke Park] in what has become a pretty morbid and eerie atmosphere just jarred with us as an organisation.

"We don't know how long this will last but we will be able to take stock over the next fortnight and it will probably bring clarity.

"I don't think it would have been well-received if people were coming from the four corners of Ireland when there is much more important stuff happening than Gaelic games."

The GAA do not know how long the postponements might last but are in contact with the Irish government as to best practice.

"Compliance is absolutely massive in this regard and I think that people have to take ownership of what we are trying to deliver.

"We cannot police that from Croke Park but we like to think that we have very responsible people at every level; on committees and not, it is up to them to step up to the plate.

"I think that this will bring out the best in people, it is for the common good and we owe it to people on society's margins - the weak and vulnerable - to pull together.

"If this small gesture goes some way to doing that then it will have all been worthwhile."

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