On Tuesday evening, the Government announced further restrictions on sporting events in relation to Covid-19.
Already, outdoors events had been limited to 200 people and in the case of matches, that 200 figure did not mean 200 spectators.
As has been seen locally with the scramble for match tickets, when it was broken down, the 200 would include players and backroom staff, media (like ourselves), ground staff and more.
Ultimately, you could be left with 80 to 100 tickets to distribute, typically split 50/50 between the clubs.
Gyms too have felt the pinch – class sizes in certain facilities had been restricted, others continuing training in “pods” or with specific training partners.
So what now?
Revised restrictions on sporting events until 13 September
Sporting events and matches can continue to take place but behind closed doors with
- Strict avoidance of gatherings, including social gatherings, before or after events
- Strict adherence to 2 metre physical distancing before and after events, during breaks in play, on the sidelines and avoidance of team huddles
- Gyms/leisure centres/swimming pools/exercise and dance studios will remain open with strict distancing and other appropriate protective measures in place
- Limits of 6 apply to exercise and dance classes with appropriate physical distancing
- Limits of 15 apply to groups outside including training sessions (with exception of elite/professional sports and horseracing). There should be no mixing between groups.
So, if you’re hopeful of getting tickets to see O’Loughlin’s and Dicksboro contest the senior league title in Kilkenny this weekend, you’re out of luck.
You can, however, get the game in full from the comfort of your home, car or app, with KCLR.
