A former inter-county footballer has warned that that the return of spectator sports will be vital for keeping the country going through the winter.
All sporting events have ben played behind closed since the Government abruptly banned spectators from attending in mid-August.
The move was heavily criticised by the GAA and other sporting organisations; however, there is still no indication when family, friends and fans will be allowed to return.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, former Mayo footballer David Brady said spectator sports are “one of the most vital cogs that will keep this country going” through the pandemic this winter.
“Any minister will know from a sporting context whether it is local, regional or city based, it is vital for people and it is vital for communities,” he said.
“It is vital for conversation in life about games. Were you at the game? Did you see the game? That is what I have found from talking to people over the last few months – that is the important thing.
“It is about having the sport number one and we have that – but I think it is about working together and finding a method that is safe and appropriate in fighting a virus.”
He said sports fans have been hard done by and ignored by officials in recent weeks.
“There is also the representational bodies,” he said. “Have they been strong enough in their pitch to the government to say, ‘trust us, we can allow people into stadiums and we can socially distance.
“We have found out how important sport is to the country and I think it is vital that we can, in some way, work together to say, ‘we can do this.’”
Mr Brady admitted that there are touch points where officials will have to work out how to get supporters in and out of stadiums safely – but insisted that, with a concerted effort, the difficulties can be overcome.
“Joined up thinking is the most important point I would make,” he said.
“Everyone needs to join up their thinking and say outdoor activities and sporting events are probably going to be the way forward in our lives.
“We need to get out as much as possible. We need to be in the open air.”
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