The GAA has announced that no collective training for inter-county teams will be permitted for at least the remainder of January.

January 15th had been the date set out for inter-county teams to resume training with the National Leagues set to commence at the end of February.

However, in a letter sent out to all county board secretaries this morning, GAA Director General Tom Ryan cited “the current exceptional rise in infection rates of Covid-19 and the increased risk of community transmission” as the reason why teams cannot go back to collective training this month.

Mr Ryan added that club and county gyms must also stay closed until further notice and that breaches of these provisions will be dealt with under Rule 7.2 (e) of the officials guide, which is the rule that refers to misconduct considered to have discredited the Association.

"As you are aware the current Level 5 restrictions in the South will run until January 31at which point the GAA will review the current situation and any further advice in this context will be provided," Mr Ryan’s letter reads.

"Finally, it is important to note that outdoor gatherings on GAA property are not permitted – the only current exemption to this is for walkways (which may stay open for use by the community with social distancing in place) and for clubs registered for the 'Ireland Lights Up' walking initiative.

"I fully appreciate the frustrations these additional restrictions may place on our inter-county players and management teams.

"However, the safety of everyone in the game and indeed the broader community has to be our primary focus.

"It has never been more important for our players, coaches and officials to follow both the Government guidelines and our own provisions around training."

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