Ireland allow limited fans into stadia

Article posted by Coliseum, June 10^th, 2021

Image: Buro Happold & Peter Barrow

The Irish Government recently announced the latest easing of COVID-19 restrictions, which makes way for spectators to return to sporting events.

‘Sky Sports’ stated that from June 7^th, 100 attendees were allowed inside stadia fold for matches, with that number rising to 200 at venues which can hold more than 5,000 visitors.

A number of pilots have also been confirmed which will allow spectators in greater numbers.

Ireland has been at Level Five, its highest level of restrictions, since Christmas last year as the country bore the coronavirus brunt.

‘Sky Sports’ further stated that the biggest trial event confirmed is the final of the National Camogie Leagues at the 82,300-capacity Croke Park in Dublin (Ireland), which will allow 3,000 fans to grace the same on June 20^th.

The National Camogie League (stick-and-ball team field sport), known for sponsorship reasons as the Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues, is the second most important competition in the Irish team sport of camogie, played exclusively by women. The competition is held in three divisions graded by ability.

Although not included in the Irish Government press release, the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) confirmed in a statement that the Lidl National League finals will also take place as a Croke Park test event on June 26^th.

A statement from the ladies football governing body read, “The LGFA wishes to place on record that it is thankful to the Working Group for return of spectators to stadia, Ministers Catherine Martin and Jack Chambers, and to our colleagues at Croke Park for making the stadium available on that date. We are very much looking forward to welcoming spectators to Croke Park on June 26^th for what should be a very special occasion.”

Gaelic football is a type of football played mainly in Ireland between teams of 15 players, with a goal resembling that is used in rugby but having a net attached. The object is to kick or punch the round ball into the net (scoring three points) or over the crossbar (one point).

Further increases to numbers permitted at events are being considered for August.

Till last month, all sporting events in Ireland were a closed-door affair.

North of the border, 500 fans have been allowed to attend fixtures.

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