Donaghy says suspension of club activity "had to be done"

October 08, 2020

Kerry's Kieran Donaghy.
©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

Former Kerry star Kieran Donaghy says the GAA’s decision to suspend all club activity earlier this week was one that “had to be done”.

Last Monday saw the association bring an immediate halt all club games at all levels until further notice, citing 'post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events' as being problematic.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Inside The Game, four-time All-Ireland winner Donaghy said the situation is “a hard one to patrol”.

"It had to be done, because we couldn't have the scenes that were witnessed over the weekend," said the Austin Stacks man.

"But I also see it from another point of view that if a county team wins a provincial championship that hasn't won one in a while, or if a team wins an All-Ireland, it's very hard to see when the team comes home with the Sam Maguire, or whatever cup they have won, that there isn't going to be similar scenes and jubilation.

"It's a hard one to patrol. I think the clubs have the sense to tell people not to go out celebrating the win, go home, celebrate with their families at home and keep everything in-house.

"It's very hard emotionally when you win a county championship, and people can't be at the games so they're probably watching it on a stream, maybe in the local pub.

"And then the game finishes, and their team has one. If there's a long gap, it's very hard for people to control their emotions, when they meet families and loved ones, [after they] have been playing and training and trying to win this."


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