COVID-19 UPDATE: A further 37 die as GAA says no inter-county games before October

A further 37 people lost their lives from Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland in the last 24 hours, the HSE said this evening.

The total death toll here is now 1,375 while the number of confirmed cases has now reached 22,248 after another 265 were diagnosed.

Meanwhile, the GAA has said no inter-county games will take place before October meanwhile the 2020 championships could now be played through the winter.

The decision was made following a series of conference calls between Croke Park bosses and county chairpersons today.

“The GAA still firmly hopes to be able to play county and club competitions this year, subject of course to public health guidance,” a statement from the GAA said.

“We can confirm however that no inter-county games are expected to take place before October.

“Counties are asked, in the interest of players, to suspend all inter-county training until further notice.

“There will be a phased resumption of training at both club and county level to allow players to prepare appropriately for playing games.

“While not categorically ruling out the possible staging of games behind closed doors later in the year, there appears to be a lack of appetite for this type of fixture-scheduling at the current time across the wider Association.”