The Government has approved a €15m financial package for the GAA, LGFA, and Camogie Association in order to run this year's All-Ireland championships.

The 2020 inter-county season resumes next month with the Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues and the All-Ireland U21FC semi-finals getting proceedings back underway.

As gate receipts provided almost half of the GAA's income in 2019, staging the championships in front of little or no crowds was not seen as a viable option for the Association unless they received substantial funding.

"I am very pleased with today’s funding approval of €15m from Minister Michael McGrath which will allow these organisations to run their delayed championships," Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs and Sport Jack Chambers said.

“The impact of Covid has been felt by all sports organisations and particularly those which depend on the income generated by match tickets.

"The prospect of there being no GAA, ladies football or camogie championships this year has been a very real one up until now.

“Dealing with the pandemic has caused such hardship for people right across the country. Everyone is need of a lift and I know people seeing their team line out in the country colours, with Amhrán na bhFiann playing overhead, will give so many people a much-needed boost in these difficult times.

“The funding will help address the income shortfall the organisations will experience due to lost income from match tickets."

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