Competitive sport will be allowed in the six counties from Saturday, 11 July, the NI Executive has confirmed.

This gives the green light for GAA club teams in Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone to resume on a full-contact basis including challenge matches, six days earlier than originally planned. Friday, 17 July remains as the resumption date for league and championship competitions in line with the GAA's Return To Play guidelines. However, spectators are not permitted to attend matches until further Covid-19 restrictions are eased in the coming weeks.

Ironically GAA clubs in the six counties have already been playing challenges against neighbouring teams in the south where fans are allowed to attend matches.

"The Executive has endorsed a return to competition, albeit without spectators, and has agreed that indoor sports facilities can reopen on 17 July." Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said following today's announcement.

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