Clare GAA have released a statement supporting the comments made by the county's manager Brian Lohan in relation to the two Covid-19 cases confirmed in the Wexford squad recently.

Lohan came under fire from Wexford chairman Micheal Martin yesterday after claiming his Clare squad had been “contacted by the HSE to say that two of the Wexford players had nominated two of our players as close contacts” following the Allianz League clash between the sides last week. Martin called on the former Banner County full-back to retract his remarks.

When speaking to RTÉ earlier today, GAA director of player, club, and games administration Feargal McGill said it was the HSE that made the call to deem the two Clare players as close contacts. In the latest twist to the saga, Clare GAA state that the issue is how the players were identified as close contacts.

Read the Clare GAA statement in full here: 

The HSE designated the Clare players as close contacts which is their function and was never disputed. The issue is how they were identified as close contacts. The HSE in the Mid-West region were informed by the contact tracing team in relation to the decision that was made. Brian Lohan as manager of the Clare Team contacted the HSE locally when he was informed of the identification of 2 senior hurlers as close contacts. The HSE informed Brian Lohan that 2 players were identified on foot of discussions between the contact tracing team of the HSE and the Wexford players involved who were positive cases.

The HSE did confirm that for one of the players, they were identified, not by name but were identified by the colour of their helmet. This has led to two players having to self-isolate and if this process continues without clear clarification regarding Close and Casual contact from Croke Park it will have ramifications for the season ahead for club and county games.

Here below is the segment taken from the Covid-19: Return to Training and Play Guidelines for Inter County Teams regarding close contacts v casual contacts.

Potential ‘Close’ Contact scenarios

The following scenarios require careful planning and the implementation of strict control measures by those involved with inter county panels.

• Use of a Gym or other indoor training facility.
• Use of dressing rooms (including showers)
• Pre and Post match/training meals
• Meetings for tactical analysis or game preparation.
• Collectively travelling to and from games/training.
• Overnight accommodation

None of the above refer to on-field playing activity.

Brian Lohan stands by his comments made last Sunday in relation to the incident and there remains much disappointment and frustration in our county in relation to why the Clare players were identified.

We have already made representations to Croke Park on this player welfare issue, and we will be making further representation through the GPA.’To conclude, Clare GAA stand fully by the comments issued by the Clare senior hurling manager.

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