Sligo concede Connacht semi final against Galway

Sligo are the first team that have been forced to give a walkover in the All Ireland football championship due to Covid-19.

They've conceded their Connacht semi final on Saturday to Galway, after several members of their bubble tested positive for the virus.

A statement from the county board last night says they have taken the "tough decision" to withdraw from this weekend's game, adding that the players and management are "hugely disappointed" at the unavailability of postponement.

Galway now go straight through to the Connacht final on Sunday the 15th, where they will take on either Mayo or Roscommon.

The Sligo County Board say that all affected by Covid-19 in the panel are following appropriate guidelines, and are doing well.

Sligo's statement in full reads:

"Sligo GAA have taken the tough decision to withdraw from this weekend’s Connacht SFC semi-final versus Galway. 

"Paul Taylor and his management team along with the panel of 32 players have been working together since September. Due to the unforeseen circumstances of players testing positive for Covid-19 and other players deemed as close contacts, makes it impossible for Sligo to fulfil the fixture. 

"The county board executive along with the players and management are extremely upset at having to make this decision. The players themselves are hugely disappointed at not having the option of a re-fixture and feel the outcome has been forced on them, whilst understanding that in these unusual times it is not possible to take part this coming weekend. 

"All affected by Covid-19 findings are following the requisite HSE guidelines and we are glad to report doing well at this time.  

"Sligo GAA have informed GAA officials at Croke Park and Connacht GAA of this regrettable but correct decision."