Underage and club GAA await confirmation of move to Level 3

Inter-county managers at underage level are anxiously awaiting word of a potential green light to resume training early next month.

Activity at both U-17 and U-20 of these levels is currently barred under Level 5 restrictions, but last week Tánaiste Leo Varadkar's spoke of his hope for a possible return to Level 3 restrictions in May.

This could finally spell some good news and deliver clarity for managers and officials in charge of those age-groups.

Several high-profile U-20 bosses have already publicly spoken out about their frustrations of having no roadmap for the year ahead as the GAA awaits confirmation from the Government on evolving public health restrictions.

Meanwhile, the concerns of managers still awaiting the completion of 2020 championships is even greater.

They are awaiting clarity on the status of those outstanding competitions and when underage inter-county training could potentially resume.

GAA officials are acutely aware of the uncertainties facing teams in that bracket and remain keen to offer a meaningful games program despite dealing with ongoing restrictions.

This may mean the outstanding 2020 competitions being completed over a very short time shortly after the Government allow intercounty underage training to resume.

As well as clearing the way for activity at that level to resume, a green light from Government next month could also allow adult club training to recommence in the south.

Last week, Stormont last week cleared the way for a competitive return to club sport in the six counties from 23 April.

That announcement was an acceleration of what governing bodies in the North were expecting and with player safety and preparation the top priority across the 32 counties, the GAA must decide when they deem it appropriate for all club games to resume.

With the 2021 provincial championship draws completed this evening, members of the Ulster GAA Central Controls Committee are expected to meet on this evolving situation in the coming days before receiving further guidance from Croke Park.

While some will feel that teams in the six counties jurisdiction should proceed with club games, others would prefer to wait until that landmark is within reach in the 26 counties and move together as one 32-county unit.

A further easing of restrictions by the Irish Government in early May will certainly help GAA officials better streamline respective the return to competitive club action.

Previously, with the return to adult training in the six counties, there were conflicting trains of thought on what should be done.

Armagh All-Ireland winner Oisín McConville wanted a prompt return to activity as the area had lower case numbers and a more advanced vaccine roll-out. Others like Tyrone chairperson Michael Kerr felt the GAA should move as a single, 32-county entity.

Ultimately, however, with regard to intercounty training, there was only a week in the difference and on 19 April all counties officially resumed senior activity.