By Paddy Hunter

A GAA return in July is by no means a certainty but still a possibility, according to the Association’s Director of Communications Alan Milton.

Last week, a Special Congress handed emergency powers to the GAA’s management committee to deal with the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Effectively, this committee will have the ability to make alterations without approval from Congress or from Central Council meetings, and the shape of the inter-county season will be the first big item on their agenda.

The GAA has already said that a return before July was “highly unlikely” and Milton said all speculation around dates remained simply that, with Minister of Health Simon Harris pouring some cold water on the possibility of mass gatherings this summer.

“It’s in the realms of speculation, yes, but as has been the case, we are taking our lead from the HSE and the experts, north and south,” said Milton about a July restart.

“We understand the Minister’s comments but it’s far too early to even speculate. We have not been told that it’s official Government policy. It’s a case of wait and see. We hope for July but it remains the best possibility.”

Milton said that even if the July target is pushed back, the GAA are still committed to having some form of competition in 2020.

“That date could have to be put back but I have to say we have the scenarios planned around several dates and the possibility of getting some action played remains the target,” he said.

“That could be with clubs at youth or juvenile level first. At this stage we are still confident of inter-county action this year but the safety of everyone is the watchword.”

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