Spectators mark the return to Tyrone GAA matches

ANOTHER little taste of normality returned to the GAA playing fields of Tyrone yesterday when upwards on 400 were permitted to attend matches.

Last week’s decision by the Stormont Executive marked another milestone in the easing of restrictions imposed to combat the coronavirus.

A total of 400, including players and other essential personnel were permitted to attend games in the north, and it was a welcome development for clubs throughout the county who rely on gate receipts for much of their income.

Long-time Omagh support, Tony McElhatton, travelled to Coalisland where the St Enda’s took on the local Fianna in Division One. He said the return to supporting was one of the happiest moments of the past six months.

“It really is good for the soul to get back out watching the club again and the last four months have been long without the chance to go and watch a game,” he told the TyroneHerald.

“The thing that makes today even more special is the fact that the weather is good good. There really isn’t anything better than sitting out on a bank watching a club league game.

“I suppose the most important thing has been that we’re able to be back, and hopefully the players in all the games are able to out on a good display of football and everyone is happy and healthy at this time.

“A couple of members of my family came as well, and it was good to see just small groups of people sitting enjoying a game because obviously it has been so long since we’ve had that chance.”

Club facilities remain closed and in a statement issued following the Executive decision, the Ulster GAA last week advised supporters to wear masks and maintain their social distance at games and were also encouraged to bring their own hand sanitiser.