Hope that Healy Park is in line for spectator boost

OMAGH is in line to host what could be the largest official mass sporting gathering in Ireland since the coronavirus pandemic began 15 months ago.

High-level discussions have been taking place between the Stormont Executive, Sport NI, Ulster GAA and Croke Park’s Covid Advisory committee to facilitate upwards on 5,000 spectators at next month’s Ulster Championship clash between Tyrone and Cavan.

It is due to take place on Saturday, July 10 at O’Neill’s Healy Park.

The stadium’s current capacity of 18,000, combined with one-metre social distancing, could ensure what would be viewed as a major step forward in the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the move is dependent on the Stormont Executive meeting to permit an easing of the restrictions around the number of people allowed to attend sporting events.

Their meeting due on Thursday (June 18) did not taking place due to the current political impasse over an Irish Language Act and the nomination of First and Deputy First Ministers, leaving the question of attendances at sporting events in limbo.

The Chief Executive of Ulster GAA, Brian McAvoy, this week told the UlsterHerald, they are hopeful that legislation would permit a 25 per-cent risk-assessed attendance, along with the recognised guidance around social distancing, in time for the game.

“The earlier that we get notification on what’s permitted, the better, but if we don’t get a decision then we will be restricted to the current level of 500,” Mr McAvoy said.

Conor Sally, chairman of the Omagh St Enda’s club, said Healy Park is “prepared and ready” to host whatever attendance is authorised for the high profile clash between the Red Hands and Ulster Champions.

“Our club has been working in partnership with Ulster GAA, the Department for Communities and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in terms of deciding on a figure for the number of spectators allowed that is deemed safe in accordance with guidelines,” he said.

“At the moment it is difficult because the guidelines around the easing of restrictions are evolving. We are hopeful that the figure will be well above the 500 currently permitted.

“Ultimately, the decision will be made in conjunction with the relevant bodies. It will be incumbent on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to provide a licence which would permit what they consider to be a safe number of spectators taking into account the current guidelines.

“Given the general opening-up of society during recent weeks and the figures at other events, including indoors, I have no doubt that ourselves and other county grounds are capable of safely hosting several thousand spectators.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department for Communities, said that the Executive was due to ratify on Thursday a decision that outdoor gatherings would be permitted to the maximum allowed as per a risk assessment for venues.

“The Department continues to engage regularly with sports governing bodies, including Ulster GAA, on the safe return of greater numbers of spectators.

“That includes ensuring that any fixtures are fully compliant with the regulations and the relevant health advice and guidance, including on matters relating to social distancing.”