This weekend's opening round of the 2020 Christy Ring Cup has suffered a second postponement due to Covid-19 before a ball has even been thrown in.

It emerged last night that Offaly would be unable to field a team in tomorrow's fixture at home to Kildare as the HSE considered 27 players of their squad a close contact of another who tested positive for the coronavirus. This ultimately resulted in a walkover being handed to the Lilywhites.

Covid-19 has continued to wreak havoc in the All-Ireland senior hurling championship's third tier with Sligo suffering the same fate as the Faithful County.

The Yeats County's fixture away to Derry on Sunday is the latest match that has had to be postponed.

The entire Sligo squad is being tested for the deadly virus after a positive result among the players that has led to their clash against Oak Leafers being forfeited.

It means Roscommon versus Wicklow is the only Christy Ring Cup fixture that will go ahead this weekend.

A statement this evening from Sligo GAA reads: "Sligo GAA regret that it will not be possible for our senior hurlers to fulfil the Christy Ring Cup fixture versus Derry this Saturday.

"A member of the Sligo Hurling panel returned a positive Covid-19 test on Wednesday October 21 The player tested was part of the squad that took part in the Roinn 3B final win on Sunday October 18. As such, a number of close contacts are now in isolation and the complete squad are now undertaking tests for the virus and are currently following HSE and GAA guidelines.

"Sligo GAA County Board officers have liaised with GAA officials in Croke Park since this issue arose. Both Derry and Leitrim have been informed of this case.

"We hope to participate in the second round of the Christy Ring Cup on the weekend of 7th/ 8th November, when the players who are restricting their movements will hopefully be available. They are currently availing of the GAA’s rapid testing facility.

"We also wish to emphasise that the County Board, team management, players and backroom staff have followed HSE and GAA guidelines in relation to Covid-19 at all times.

"Sligo GAA accept that this is short notice for Derry ahead of Sunday’s fixture and send our apologies, but wish to assure them that since this matter arose on Wednesday, we have been working tirelessly to avoid this unfortunate situation whereby the game cannot proceed as fixed."

Tweet

Most Read Stories