Covid-19
It was noted that the recent significant increase in Covid-19 incidence rates in the county is a cause of concern for all. Clubs, members and supporters are reminded to enhance all efforts to comply with public health guidance in order to prevent further spread of the virus.
Over the past 12 weeks, the 2020 Wexford GAA club championships were run safely and provided a vital social and sporting outlet to thousands of our members all over the county.
Special thanks to our Gate persons, Stewards any everyone that made our championships enjoyable and safe Our Cúl Camps were a great success, with 4,500 participants and just one identified case of Covid-19 arising in across all the camps nationwide which had a total of 70,000 participants. Our games promotion officers have resumed their work, engaging safely with schools and clubs across the county.
However, it is extremely disappointing that cases have been linked to a small number of clubs’ social activities following the recent county finals. The clubs in question have let the Association completely down and created a mistrust with the public in general. The public houses that supported the social activities have many questions to answer with their compliance with Covid-19 public health guidelines. Clubs, their members, players and supporters have a responsibility to ensure that any post-match gatherings are arranged safely and in strict accordance with public health rules. Personal responsibility is essential if collective compliance with public health requirements is to be achieved. Wexford GAA have been assisting and liaising with the HSE in relation to the increase in cases within any clubs and those clubs deemed by the HSE to be at risk of having a cluster of cases have ceased all activities until public health guidance allows a resumption.
Both senior inter-county panels and backroom teams availed of the GAA’s rapid testing programme as a precautionary measure earlier this week and a small number of players tested positive (2 hurlers) and another small number of players are self-isolating as they have been identified as close contacts of positive cases. No further positive tests have been notified. The Under 20 hurling squad has suspended its activities due to a number of other Covid-19 cases and will resume preparation when it is deemed fully safe to do so.
It was further noted that no matches are to take place until further notice and that underage training can only be on a non-contact basis and in pods of 15 or less. All indoor facilities must remain closed for any club activities, club bars are to remain closed and no indoor meetings should take place. An update with regard to the scheduling of outstanding club fixtures will be made following anticipated government decision in the coming week and the subsequent Croke Park update. It is intended to complete these competitions when appropriate to do so which may not be until 2021.
Finally, it was agreed that in the context of any further national restrictions due to public health advice every effort should be taken to ensure that club walking tracks are kept open. It was recognised that such tracks are a vital community wellbeing asset and that, managed well, they present very low risk.
Borrowing application
Davidstown-Courtnacuddy has submitted an application for approval to borrow funds for development; it was agreed that the Cathaoirleach and the Development Officer will assess this and advise and liaise with the club.
Finance
It is aimed to have the draft accounts ready for consideration by mid-November; it is expected that they will show a positive surplus which has allowed €500,000 to be placed on deposit with Croke Park for future use.
Congratulations are due to Joe Sheehan and his team which organise the Club and County Development Draw as the draw produced a return just 2% less than 2019 which is a fair achievement given the circumstances of this year. Cúl Camps also produced a very positive return this year in addition to providing immense enjoyment to children all over the county.
Teams
Our senior and minor footballers are in action this weekend away to Limerick (league) and Louth (championship) respectively. Paul Galvin has departed as senior football manager and we wish him good luck in his new ventures. It is hoped that Shane Roche and his team will have a positive result in Rathkeale in what is a key match for our promotion prospects.
AOB
Best wishes and speedy recovery to Marion Doyle following a recent accident, also special thanks to John Bumpy Nolan for ensuring our pitches in Chadwicks Wexford Park and Ferns COE are in excellent condition.
