Spectators set for return to action
Meath GAA Co Board will be able to welcome a small number of supporters at the games taking place this weekend.
Pairc Tailteann will host seven crucial games over Saturday and Sunday with 200 spectators allowed into a ground withn a capacity of 5,000.
Ashbourne and Trim will also host a JFC semi-final and a Ladies SFC final respectively on Friday and Saturday and it appears that 100 spectators will be permitted.
Sporting events will be allowed to have 200 spectators from tomorrow, but only in venues which would usually be able to admit 5,000.
A lower cap of 100 will apply to smaller grounds.
However, it could also mean that the schedule for Pairc Tailteann on Saturday and Sunday could be changed with some of the games moving to a different venue.
This is not confirmed at the moment but Meath GAA Co Board was waiting this decision before planning the SHC and IHC semi-finals for the following weekend.
A meeting will take this evening or tomorrow evening to finalise.
With Meath operating with the rest of the country at Level 2 (bar Dublin) the Government outlined the following measures around sport
Organised outdoor gatherings
These are controlled environments with a named event organiser, owner or manager. For example: outdoor Arts events, training events.
Up to 100 patrons are permitted for the majority of venues.
Up to 200 patrons for outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000 (with robust protective measures as per sectoral guidance).
For very large purpose built event facilities (for example: stadia, auditoriums, conference or event centres) specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for larger events.
SPORTS
Training
Outdoors: training can take place in pods of up to 15 (exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship).
Indoors: training, exercise and dance classes can take place in pods of up to 6 inside (exemption for professional/elite/inter-county sports/senior club championship).
Matches and events
up to 100 patrons/spectators outdoors and 50 patrons/spectators indoors
up to 200 for outdoor stadia or other fixed outdoor venues with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000
For large purpose built event facilities (such as stadia, auditoriums, conferencing/event centres), specific guidance will be developed with the relevant sectors to take account of size and different conditions for events such as large national and international sporting events.
Gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools
These can open with protective measures, taking account of public health advice, including social distancing.
HORSERACING
This could also mean a return of owners at horseracing
This week's horseracing from tomorrow Wednesday 16th is:
Cork – Wednesday, September 16 (First Race 1.00pm)
Tramore – Thursday, September 17 (First Race 1.00pm)
Naas – Thursday, September 17 (First Race 2.45pm)
Downpatrick – Friday, September 18 (First Race 1.00pm)
Dundalk – Friday, September 18 (First Race 4.30pm)
Gowran Park – Saturday, September 19 (First Race 2.35pm)
Navan – Saturday, September 19 (First Race 1.10pm)
Listowel – Sunday, September 20 (First Race 2.10pm)
CLUB GAA GAMES THIS WEEKEND
FRIDAY 18th SEPTEMBER
Ashbourne - JFC semi-final - Dunsany v St Vincent's, 8pm
SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER
Pairc Tailteann - Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Skryne Premier 1 final 1.30pm
Pairc Tailteann - Trim v Kilmainham, IFC semi-final, 3.30pm
Pairc Tailteann - Ratoath v Summerhill, SFC semi-final, 5.30pm
Trim - Simonstown v Dunboyne, Ladies SFC final
SUNDAY 20th SEPTEMBER
Pairc Tailteann - Trim v Simonstown Premier 2 final 11.30am
Pairc Tailteann - JFC semi-final - Ballivor v St Ultan's, 1.30pm
Pairc Tailteann - St Michael's v Ballinabrackey IFC semi-final, 3.30pm
Pairc Tailteann - Na Fianna v Kells, SFC semi-final, 5.30pm