*Flan O’Reilly. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography
Clare ‘did not let down the country down’ when it came to GAA celebrations, a county board official has stated.
Strong criticism of the GAA has been voiced following the conclusion of club campaigns in recent months with some resulting celebrations leading to an increase of COVID-19 cases in particular parts of the country.
Although positive cases emerged in a minority of GAA clubs in Co Clare, no celebratory scenes caused widespread anger as what occurred in other parts of the country.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Clare County Board, Irish and Cultural Officer Flann O’Reilly commented that clubs in the Banner County were to be commended for their behaviour.
Detail on the amount of COVID-19 cases linked to GAA clubs in Co Clare is not provided by the Department of Health.
“A lot of clubs won championships, only one or two clubs didn’t get to play out their championships. It was commonplace that GAA clubs lost the run of themselves celebrating but there was no criticism of any of the Clare clubs, they behaved in the manner that was befitting and I must compliment the clubs.
“Clare didn’t let down the scene and didn’t give opportunity to people who were only looking to give out about the GAA. There was no place better than Clare,” the Cratloe clubman stated.
Youth Officer, Sean O’Halloran paid tribute to all clubs who participated in various competitions and the respective officers at adult and underage level for facilitating the games. “I’d also like to compliment clubs who took part in the Cúl Camps earlier on in the year, those clubs really put their shoulder to the wheel, there was a huge amount of work involved to stage those competitions”.
Praise for the manner in which Clare GAA held championships was voiced by Naomh Eoin delegate, Gabriel Keating. “I must congratulate you (Joe Cooney) and Pat (Fitzgerald) and the committee on the great job done during championship. There was a great job of work done during the year”.
