Roscommon GAA 'have nothing to hide’ over Covid complaints

The Roscommon County Board has insisted they have “absolutely nothing to hide" over a post-match meal attended by members of the county senior football squad last Saturday - which the Gardai were asked to investigate for a possible breach of Covid-19 regulations.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent, Roscommon GAA PRO Hugh Lynn was adamant that the meal took place “in full compliance with the Covid Protocols for elite sports.”

Mr Lynn explained that the Roscommon senior football team is considered an elite team under the Covid-19 Protocols and, as such, they are entitled to have a meal after playing a match, while complying with all the regulations.

The meal took place in St Joseph’s Hall, Boyle after the senior team had played a challenge match against Donegal in Sligo as part of their preparations for this Saturday’s game against Armagh in Division Two of the Allianz Football League.

Mr Lynn said Roscommon GAA officials had picked the venue in Boyle as it was “big enough to allow for social distancing as per the Covid protocols.”

Around 30 people were in attendance at the meal, including players and management from the senior team, and the dinner consisted of chicken curry and rice in a disposable box. “It was nothing fancy and everyone was sitting socially distant from each other in the hall,” said Mr Lynn.

While the meal was underway, members of An Garda Síochána were called to St Joseph’s Hall at around 4.30pm to investigate a possible breach of Covid-19 regulations, and the group agreed to leave the venue.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that an investigation was underway into the incident, focusing on the organisers of the event.

In a brief press statement issued by Roscommon GAA this week, they stated that they are “committed to compliance and adherence to the guidelines as issued by both the Government and the GAA”.

Mr Lynn said the GAA authorities in Roscommon are “well aware” of all the Covid-19 protocols that are in place, and have adhered to every restriction.

“Roscommon GAA did absolutely nothing wrong, and we have nothing to hide, “ said Mr Lynn.