Sporting fixtures get the go-ahead

The FAI and IRFU have decided to fulfill all this weekend's soccer and rugby fixtures despite today’s confirmed case of foot-and-mouth disease in Co Louth. The GAA now look likely to follow suit.

After consulting with the Department of Agriculture throughout the day, both the FAI and IRFU announced they would be honouring the existing schedules with the exception of matches due to take place in Co Louth.

This followed an announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Joe Walsh, that he believed sport could continue as long as the necessary precautions were taken and that the recommendations made by the Department’s Expert Group on March 16th were adhered to.

These stated that ‘outdoor events which take place on land and involve people only’ can take place. Certain limitations in place will apply 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.

In a statement released today the IRFU confirmed all AIB 1, 2 and 3 league matches would take place ‘on the understanding that any unnecessary activity or fixtures at club level be limited for the time being as far as possible.’

And Brendan McKenna, spokesman for the FAI, confirmed that soccer matches at all levels will also take place. These will include the outstanding FAI cup ties that were rescheduled for this weekend.

Gaelic Games fixtures were also due to recommence this weekend and in a statement released by headquarters, President Sean McCague said the GAA would meet with and take it's advice from experts within the Department of Agriculture.