THE GAA last night confirmed that the All-Ireland minor football quarter-final between Down and Dublin, scheduled to take place at Breffni Park this Saturday, has been postponed at the request of the Down County Board, reports Ian O’Riordan.

The postponement was granted because of a serious viral infection within the Down minor panel – suspected to be swine flu – which has affected most of the Down players.

The GAA pointed out that as a general policy they do not grant postponements on the basis of illness to players. But on this occasion, it was agreed that having taken advice from relevant medical personnel, and taking into consideration the number of players involved and general concerns expressed with respect to the swine flu pandemic, they felt that granting a postponement in the unique circumstances was the only logical course of action.

No date has yet been confirmed for a refixture.