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Sport Minister hopeful of fans at All Ireland Championships

Tuesday, 11 May 2021 07:52

Catherine Martin has fuelled hopes that this year's All Ireland Championships could play out with some fans present. 

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media said this evening she wants to bring forward trials for both indoor and outdoor events.

Earlier this month, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he would like to see stadiums welcome back fans in July.

But Minister Martin says she's "keen" for test events to start as early as June.

She was also asked why Leinster Rugby’’s request to host their own test events were turned down. 

"Because we weren't in a position at that time. We have the return to sport report that Minister Chambers has been working on as well, and that was done by the FAI, the IRFU and the GAA.

"That's the report that is with the Department of Health, and we're just fine tuning that now taking into account the vaccinations."

Meanwhile The Gaelic Players Association has welcomed the news that female inter-county players will be funded equally to their male counterparts. 

Previously, female players received €800 less than the men.

But Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers announced a €1.7m  increase in state funding to see both male and female players granted 12-hundred euro.

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