‘It is acknowledged that the decision taken will cause major disappointment.’
Tyrone look set to forfeit their All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final with Kerry, next Saturday.
The Ulster champions’ panel has been badly hit by a Covid-19 outbreak, with several players testing positive for the virus and many others unable to train or meet with the wider squad as they were deemed close contacts.
The GAA had moved the semi against Kerry from this Sunday until August 21, but Tyrone had argued they needed more time. This afternoon, the county released the following statement:
‘This morning, the Tyrone GAA Management Committee has decided that it is not in a position to field its senior football team in the rescheduled All-Ireland football championship semi-final in Croke Park, on next Saturday.
‘Having received expert medical opinion on the existing, and future health and welfare of the players who contracted the Covid19 virus during the period of this last two weeks, and following consultation with the team’s management, this decision has been made with the greatest reluctance, and with deep regret.
‘It is acknowledged that the decision taken will cause major disappointment and significant inconvenience for the Association, in general, the GAA fraternity of Kerry, and especially for Tyrone’s patrons and supporters, but the welfare and safety of players has been the over-riding factor in all considerations of this difficult situation.’
If the GAA does not push the last four clash out by a week, it looks likely that Kerry will reach the final by walkover.
The other semi-final, between Mayo and Dublin, takes place this evening at Croke Park.
