Covid screening for all GAA intercounty players is welcome – Carrigy

Rapid Covid-19 screening for all intercounty squads ahead of the All-Ireland championships will provide peace of mind for all involved in the games, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Micheál Carrigy, who is Fine Gael’s Seanad spokesperson on Media, Arts, Sports & Tourism, welcomed an agreement between the GAA and Gaelic Players Association on new measures to combat the spread of Covid-19.

Senator Carrigy said, “I welcome reports that the GAA advisory committee has agreed to implement a baseline screening protocol for all squads as requested.

“It is understood details have yet to be finalised, but the aim is to make the tests available to all squads at the earliest convenience.

“In the meantime, an existing rapid testing system provided by the GAA will be used for any squads with concerns, cases, or close contacts.

“The GAA have said that all safety protocols around training and matches will be monitored closely to ensure consistency among all counties.

“I would like to thank the sporting organisations for their cooperation and hard work in ensuring that games are played safely in a controlled environment and in compliance with public health guidelines.

“It has been a very challenging year for all of us and hopefully the football and hurling championships will lift the spirits and give us all something to look forward to,” Senator Carrigy concluded.