Ulster GAA have this evening confirmed the cessation of club training from U16 level up across all units in the province.

Last week, the GAA's Management Committee decided to suspend club matches ​at all levels with immediate effect but training was still allowed. However, with new coronavirus restrictions coming into effect in Northern Ireland tomorrow and Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan moving to Level 4 under Ireland's Plan for Living with Covid-19 from midnight tonight, all Ulster clubs must cease activity and only 'elite' inter-county level is permitted to continue.

Ulster GAA chief executive Brian McAvoy said in a statement: "Following the announcements made yesterday on the measures being introduced by the NI Executive for the next four weeks and subsequent decision by the Irish Government to place Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan in Level 4 restrictions I felt it was important to set out our understanding of what it means for our units.

"Essentially all our nine counties are now in a significantly increased level of restriction in an attempt by Governments to curb the spread of Covid-19.

"With that in mind and with effect from Friday 16th October all club activity, including training sessions that have been taking place since the Association’s directive on Monday 5th October 2020 should cease for all GAA units in Ulster.

"The only activity that is exempt from this cessation across both jurisdictions is elite level Inter County activity.

"For the purposes of clarity this includes Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie and Ladies Gaelic Football from U16 level up as recognised by both Governments.

"We appreciate this this is a difficult time for all citizens including our membership but we ask you all to continue to act responsibly and collectively to protect our communities and their health.

"This news will come as a disappointment for our Counties and Clubs who have unfinished competitions and who may have been hoping for a return to activity in the short term. We will continue to monitor the situation and update you on developments as they happen over the next four weeks taking account of the indicative dates from both Governments.

"I would also remind all Clubs of the following regulations that remain in place during this time:

• Club Gyms remain closed.
• GAA Social Clubs remain closed.

"These continue to be challenging times for all of us, however, we have demonstrated from the beginning of this pandemic our absolute resolve to work together for the greater good at all times. I want to thank you all for your continued resolve and understanding."

I work for Balls.ie and we are currently working together with AIB on a photo competition in which clubs can win a €1000 voucher, as well as the chance to feature in AIB's photobook 'The Toughest Season'. 

We are looking for clubs to enter a photo that highlighted the season that was 2020, with a particular emphasis on 'community'. Did your club do something to help the community during tough times?

I have attached the link below, which leads you to the entry form. I would be grateful if you could share this link on your social media channels, or by passing this email on to your clubs database. We've had some amazing entries so far, you can check them out @ballsdotie or by searching the hashtag #thetoughest.

https://www.balls.ie/gaa/help-us-document-the-toughest-season-in-history-with-aib-448193    

The GAA’s Management Committee has today endorsed a decision to suspend all GAA Club games ​at all levels with immediate effect ​and until further notice.  

The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety following a number of incidents that have been brought to our attention in recent days. ​In particular, post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events have proved disappointing and problematic. 

This directive applies to all ages and all grades across the island.  

Club Social Centres / bars are also to close. 

​Training will continue to be permitted as per the guidelines outlined for the relevant levels in the Government's National Framework for Living with Covid 19 and relevant guidelines in the Six Counties. 

The GAA will continue to monitor the situation in the ​coming days and weeks, regarding changes in government guidelines, before liaising with our units accordingly.  

The Association would also like to acknowledge all of those units who have worked diligently in complying with the public health advice around the staging of our games and training sessions since activity resumed.  

More than ever, we ask that you continue with this approach where training sessions for your players is continuing.