THE Department of Public Health has teamed up with Limerick GAA, Gardai, and Limerick City and County Council, in urging hurling supporters to avoid large social gatherings when enjoying this Sunday’s All Ireland Hurling Final, in order to try to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Limerick and Waterford will battle it out at Croke Park for the Liam MacCarthy Cup in a historic Covid-friendly Christmas final.
Public Health Mid West, which is headquartered in the Treaty City, asked fans to support their team “responsibly at home”.
“We acknowledge that this is a momentous and historic occasion, and in normal circumstances, a major sporting event like this would be an opportune time to socialise and reunite with friends and family. Unfortunately, we are not living in normal times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are urging everyone this weekend to avoid large social gatherings, unnecessary household visits, house parties, and any situation that makes you or loved ones vulnerable to infection,” said a spokesman.
Dr Mai Mannix, Limerick Director of Public Health Mid-West, said large social gatherings, unnecessary household visits, and house parties are all extremely high-risk settings, and that such activities could undo months of huge efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
“We all want the Liam McCarthy trophy back home this Christmas, but we also want a safe and healthy one that is not marred by the separation of loved ones due to COVID-19, and while we ask the public to support the senior hurlers responsibly, we also ask businesses to implement effective measures to ensure their staff and customers are protected this weekend,” Dr Mannix added.
Limerick’s Mayor, Cllr Michael Collins, urged “all supporters to enjoy the match but to do so in a safe and responsible way, and by doing this we are also supporting our health service and protecting our families this Christmas”.
John Kiely, manager of the Limerick senior hurlers asked for supporters to “finish the year on a high“ by adhering to public health advice and to “play your part off the pitch by keeping each other safe”.
Limerick hurler Sean Finn added his voice to the public health’s message, and said: “We are the lucky ones taking to the field at Croke Park for the final but we all have a role to play no matter where we are, so on behalf of the Limerick team, please play your part off the pitch and make sure you follow public health guidelines during and after the final, and enjoy the game and stay safe.”
Limerick County Board Chairman, John Cregan added that “by staying apart and by adhering to current guidelines, we hope to return to what is the norm for next season”.
Chief Superintendent of the Limerick Garda Division, Gerry Roche, said that “regardless of the outcome of the match, it is vital that we all continue to limit our contact with each other”.
Chief Roche added: “Please, before and after the game, do not gather in groups. Stay safe and continue to play your part in stopping the spread of Covid-19.”
