Low spectator limits are 'ridiculous' says Westmeath GAA chief

(Above) Westmeath County Board chair Billy Foley.

The chairperson of Westmeath County Board says that he is disappointed with the low number of spectators that will be allowed to attend GAA matches under the government's new medium term plan, Living With Covid-19.

Under the new plan, which was published earlier today, 100 people can attend a sporting event at smaller grounds, while up to 200 attendees are allowed at grounds where the capacity is 5,000 or more.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, the chairman of the Westmeath GAA Billy Foley said that the county board will be adhering to the guidelines and spectators will be allowed to attend the remaining matches in the hurling and football championships.

However, Mr Foley said that the new crowd limits were “ridiculous”. He said that it is known that “high numbers” of people have been congregating to watch the live streamed championship games and it would be far safer if they were able to watch them in person in Cusack Park and other open air venues.

“I do fear that the people at the top are living in a bubble...While we welcome the fact that some people will be able to go to the matches we lament the fact that the number is so low.

“We are where we are and we will obey the regulations as always but we are disappointed with the numbers allowed.”

“We would like to apologise to all the committed Westmeath Gaels who haven't been allowed into matches. It is very disappointing for the people who won't be able to go to the rest of the matches but we can't do anything about it,” he said.