Arlene Foster "deeply concerned" after pitch invasion at Tyrone GAA match

By Q Radio News

The First Minister has said she is "deeply concerned" after a pitch invasion at yesterday's GAA match in Tyrone.

Tweeting about the incident, Arlene Foster said there were serious questions arising from the game and that "Covid-19 is no respecter of victories."

Deeply concerned about the images from yesterday’s GAA match. Significant milestone for Dgn but Covid-19 is no respecter of victories. Other events being responsible. Sport & health will be the losers. @UlsterGAA need to address this. Serious questions arising from videos.

— Arlene Foster DBE PC #ProudofNI. (@ArleneFosterUK) September 21, 2020

Jubilant crowds raced onto the field at Omagh’s Healy Park following Dungannon Clarkes’ victory over Trillick in the Tyrone football final.

The Dungannon Clarkes won their first Tyrone Football title in 64 years, defeating holders Trllick 8 7 in a dramatic penalty shoot out.

Jubilant crowds raced onto the field at Omagh’s Healy Park following Dungannon Clarkes’ victory over Trillick in the Tyrone football final.

It has prompted concerns about social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, Arlene Foster said.

In her tweet, Mrs Foster called on Ulster GAA to address the matter. 

Ulster GAA has a section of its website dedicated to keeping people safe during the pandemic.

That includes encouragement to download the Covid-19 tracker phone app.

A special Covid-19 advisory group was established within the GAA to inform the safe resumption of activities.

Mrs Foster added: “Deeply concerned about the images from yesterday’s GAA match.”

Earlier this summer Ulster GAA set limits on the number of spectators attending events.

Supporters were strongly advised to wear face coverings at games and bring their own hand sanitiser.

Q Radio News has contacted Ulster GAA for their response to yesterday's incident.

Following the historic win, there were also scenes of jubilation in Dungannon amongst fans celebrating the victory, with videos emerging online, appearing to show a lack of social distancing.

Absolute scenes #Dungannon pic.twitter.com/AvUbEK2u2n

— Baz Mac (@berba_10) September 20, 2020

A spokesperson for the Department for Communities said: “At the beginning of August the Executive announced that some spectators can attend organised outdoor sports fixtures or events.

“The department issued guidance to assist sports governing bodies, clubs and venue operators comply with the regulations, which provided guiding principles surrounding the safe return of limited spectators at outdoor sports events.

“It included details on how spectators should follow the guidance and highlighted the required behaviour of spectators attending the events to help reduce the possible spread of Covid.”

Reacting to the scenes, a spokesperson for Ulster GAA said: "Ulster GAA is strongly re-iterating the GAA’s message that no spectators should enter the field of playing following games.

"The GAA has put in place protocols surrounding all aspects of the playing of games and, for the greater part, they have been universally observed. Over the weekend there were adult County Finals in six of our nine counties and evidence from across the province is that these protocols were adhered to, with spectators remaining in the stand during post-match presentations.

\Howevxer, the on-pitch celebration scenes following the Tyrone County Final in Omagh not only breached GAA protocols but, and much more significantly, public health guidelines. Ulster GAA fully realises that this was a moment of great joy for  the Dungannon Clarkes Club in winning their first County title since 1956 and congratulations to them on this success.

"The dramatic nature of the conclusion of the game probably added to the exuberance but we are living in a pandemic and the post-match scenes did not portray the Association in a positive light.

"The GAA has led the way in its response to this pandemic at community level and has safely returned players and spectators to our games in a safe and responsible way.

"Ulster GAA has worked closely with our Counties co-operating with Governments and public health agencies adhering to the restrictions and conveying wider public health messages to our members.

"The GAA has acted in a positive manner since the outbreak of the pandemic, with attendances at games strictly regulated. Our supporters have responded positively and responsibly but last night’s scenes undoubtedly placed GAA members and their local community at greater risk to Covid 19.

"It also potentially undermines the GAA case, and indeed the case for wider sport, to be permitted to have increased numbers attend our games.
With more County Finals due in the coming weeks, Ulster GAA is again appealing to all our units to behave responsibly

"The scenes of last night cannot be repeated or we will risk going back to a position where all games will be played behind closed doors."