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Hurling

REPORTS: Only senior inter-county can proceed in Level 5, not underage

It's understood only senior inter-county GAA matches will be allowed to proceed under the governm...



REPORTS: Only senior inter-cou...
Hurling

REPORTS: Only senior inter-county can proceed in Level 5, not underage

It's understood only senior inter-county GAA matches will be allowed to proceed under the government's Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, which come into force tonight.

The government had stated "No training or matches should take place, with the exception of inter-county gaelic games."

A Government spokesperson has however clarified to Morning Ireland that only senior games can go ahead and that does not include games at minor or under-20 grade.

The Leinster under-20 hurling championship was to continue this evening with three games scheduled, while the All-Ireland under-20 football final between Galway and Dublin had been set for Portlaoise on Saturday.

The three games scheduled for this evening in the Bord Gáis Energy Leinster under-20 hurling championship were the meetings of Antrim and Dublin, Laois and Carlow, and Offaly versus Westmeath.

The news will come as a bitter disappointment for underage inter-county sides across the country, with some of the tournaments having already been underway.

Galway's under-20 footballers had beaten Kerry in their semi-final at the weekend, while the Dubs saw off a stern Tyrone challenge.

Monaghan's minor footballers had scored an injury-time goal on Saturday afternoon last to clinch a late win over rivals Cavan in Clones.

Senior inter-county action is set to continue, with Limerick star Cian Lynch telling OTB Sports last night he was delighted to have games to look forward to.

"It is very easy for us to have an opinion, but every household differs, and every background. You have to be open to that as well," said Lynch.

"I am saying that I am grateful to be going back playing, but other scenarios could be totally different; they could be going back to someone vulnerable.

"It is just a case of appreciating other people's opinions and backgrounds.

"Whatever a person feels comfortable doing, we just have to be open to respecting that.

"For us, personally, I know that every county setup are doing things right and by-the-book as per government and GAA guidelines.

"That is great, and it is a massive safeguard knowing that you are going training and able to come home knowing that you have sanitised, wore your mask, and driving on your own. It is good for the mindset, that you are staying on the ball."

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Coronavirus Covid-19 GAA Inter-County Level 5