*Gerry Flynn & Michael ‘Malty’ McDonagh. Photograph: Martin Connolly

A former Chairperson of Clare GAA has warned there may be “serious casualties” if club games resume within the county.

Michael ‘Malty’ McDonagh expressed concern at Monday’s meeting of Clare GAA as delegates discussed potential championship formats for 2020.

He paid tribute to Clare GAA for how they organised the meeting to ensure social distancing was maintained. This included a lorry being parked on the sideline of Cusack Park where officials Chairperson Joe Cooney, secretary Pat Fitzgerald and treasurer Michael Gallagher sat at the top table.

“Many great GAA people have died because of COVID-19,” Malty stated from the stand. He flagged that many individuals have been unable to return to work, the Leaving Certificate was not allowed to proceed and family could not attend funerals of their loved ones.

McDonagh added, “There should be no football or hurling back in clubs until it is deemed to be safe”. He highlighted that a risk of community transmission in the spread of the virus could lead to a second wave.

“We will have serious casualties from playing games,” Malty forecasted.

County Board Chairman, Joe Cooney outlined that they were going on the advice they were receiving from a national level. “I am not saying ye. We have social distancing tonight and the meeting has been organised very well,” the St Josephs Miltown clubman replied. He stressed that the young people of Clare need to be protected but sensed the feeling of the meeting was for championships to proceed, “I fear for what will happen”.

GAA officials in Croke Park are liaising with the HSE and the Government on guidelines for the resumption of activity, the Chairperson commented. “If clubs don’t want championships to be played, we will consider it”.

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If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

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