‘I don’t think I would be comfortable playing in the current climate’

FORMER Antrim player Joe Quinn has admitted that if he were still playing he may not take to the field as so many county players have done.

His comments follow the situation that happened last week when Antrim’s final league game with Waterford was cast into doubt.

Initially Waterford felt that making the journey north was too much of a risk.

A conversation was had between the two counties and an agreement was reached to play the game in Dundalk.

Antrim won the game by 2-24 to 0-13. The result had no bearing on their final placings as Limerick and Wicklow were promoted to Division three. However Antrim will have appreciated the extra game as they prepare for their championship match against either Monaghan or Cavan.

For Joe Quinn, the situation highlights the tricky situation the GAA is in in regards to holding fixtures.

His stance was that teams and fans have to be respectful of decisions players make.

“It is a difficult time. I think you have to accept what Waterford hdi when they initially forfeited the game. If there players aren’t comfortable you have to hold your hands up.

“I wouldn’t say anything negative. You have to just accept that. You don’t know who is shielding.”

The country is currently experiencing a spike in covid-19 cases. Numbers had been dropping but the increase has coincided with the return to action for intercounty teams in the GAA.

It was put to Quinn that perhaps games should not have been played.

“It will raise that question of whether he league should be played. Thankfully there has been no covid linked fatalities, and hopefully there won’t be. That is in the back of your mind. If I was a player still playing I don’t know if I would have been comfortable playing certain family members being in the vulnerable it is people’s personal choice.

“I don’t think if players don’t want to play it should be held against them. You have to accept it.”

Yet Quinn explained that the last word should go to the players.

“I think the the players have wanted it. If the payers didn’t want it it wouldn’t be happening.

“I think that some players might feel pressured. If they don’t feel comfortable.”

He added though that the new spike in cases has had an unfortunate timing for the GAA.

“When it came back it wasn’t as bad as it has been in the past few weeks. The timing of the season returning and the timing of the spike in the pandemic has been unfortunate. You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t.”