Sport in Ireland is set to return to some semblance of normality after the Department of Agriculture issued an ‘all-clear’ for a number of sports as measures taken to combat the spread of foot-and-mouth disease are relaxed.
Although horse and greyhound racing are still ruled out it is believed that many National League, GAA and rugby fixtures will resume from March 23rd as the Department announced ‘outdoor events which take place on land and involve people only’ can take place.
There will be certain limitations in place and fans will be disinfected at the entrance to grounds, but providing the land in question has not had livestock grazing on it since February 1st, events should get the go-ahead.
The FAI immediately announced that there will be a complete resumption of football at all levels from March 24th, although certain conditions will apply.
No clubs from Britain will be invited to play in Ireland and no Irish teams will be given permission to travel to Brain until after Easter at least.
Similarly, FAI consent is required for affiliated clubs wishing to play on mainland Europe. The FAI stressed that a resumption of football is entirely contingent on there being no foot-and-mouth outbreak in Ireland.
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