Tipp GAA shutdown extended to the end of April
By Shane Brophy
Tipperary GAA have extended the shut down of all on field related activity until April 26th at the earliest.
In an advisory notice to all GAA clubs in the county on Monday night, it confirmed an extension to the date for the re-commencement of games, training and all on field and off field related activities by four weeks from March 29th up to and including April 26th.
This means all club championship games scheduled for the first two weekends in April have been postponed as well as the third round of the County Hurling League which was scheduled for the last weekend in April. All juvenile games are included also.
“Getting our championships and leagues finalised in their present format will probably prove problematic, if not indeed impossible, as time moves on, but the protection of all the people who play and attend our games is of paramount importance and must come before on field activities,” said the statement issued on behalf of all Tipperary County Board Officers.
COACHING & GAMES DEVELOPMENT
Tipperary County Board have also confirmed the cancellation of all Easter Camps which were scheduled to operate from April 7th-16th and also, all Academy and Development Squad activity has been deferred until further notice.
This is following guidance from the National Games Development Executive Operations Committee who said: "there was a strong commitment from Croke Park and Munster GAA to our staff and a genuine recognition of their efforts (often above the call of duty) on behalf of the Association down through the years. This is reflected in a strong desire that not alone will our Games Development personnel continue to remain in work for the foreseeable future but that their efforts will be of tremendous benefit to our grassroots members in these unprecedented and challenging times.
“Games Development staff will be provided with a full schedule of work on a weekly basis. This will reflect National, Provincial and County requirements. The schedule of work for the coming three weeks has been agreed with the County Games Managers".
TIPPERARY GAA CLUBS DRAW
The Tipperary GAA Clubs Draw due to commence Friday 8th May will be deferred three weeks to Friday 29th May. This date will be reviewed again subject to national directives on dates for a resumption of games activity. Lár na Pairce office personnel will continue to prepare the New Draw material and individual clubs will be contacted when their pack is ready for collection or delivery. Final receipts for the 2019/20 Draw will not be posted out until the date for the new draw is confirmed.
MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION
Clubs are advised to continue registering all their members before April 1st even though they may not have the opportunity to collect the membership fee. As the registration fee is only €2 per member it is best err on the side of caution and avoid any difficulties later.
PUBLIC LIABILITY / PROPERTY INSURANCE
Over the next few weeks Tipperary County Board will be sending out invoices for 2020 P&L/Property Insurance premiums. Most clubs can budget for a similar figure to 2019 unless any new developments have altered their premium.
CLUB LOTTOS
A few clubs have looked for clarification on weekly local lotto draws etc. Some have a high percentage of online sales which involves no physical contact so we feel it's entirely a club executive decision but they must be conscious of the restrictions involved in the interest of personal and public safety.
SEMPLE STADIUM
Semple Stadium has been offered by Tipperary County Board as a drive through test centre and was viewed by an official from the HSE last Wednesday. That official has confirmed they do not require Semple Stadium now but may in the near future.
The statement concluded that “The Officers of Coiste Chontae Thiobráid Árann ask all our supporters, families and friends to look out for each other at this time, especially the most vulnerable in our society and to please adhere to all the guidelines from the HSE and local authorities. We want everyone to remain healthy and support one another at this time.”