Limerick star Tom Morrissey has called on the Government to allow the families of players to attend this month's All-Ireland finals.
The Treaty County take on Waterford at Croke Park on Sunday week, looking to win their second hurling crown in three seasons but Covid-19 restrictions mean only panel members and support staff will be allowed to attend.
Before less stringent Level 3 rules kicked in this week, only the reduced squad of 26 had been allowed attend, which drew severe criticism from Limerick manager John Kiely.
Morrissey, man of the match in their semi-final victory over Galway, said he saw no reason why a stadium the size of Croke Park couldn't safely accommodate a few hundred socially-distanced spectators.
"We won a league and a Munster championship, and obviously we are hugely privileged and we know we are lucky to play the Championship this year, but it was a small bit disappointing that we couldn’t have our relatives close to us," Morrissey told RTÉ Sport.
"Playing the All-Ireland final next week, just such a big moment in our lives, and not to have those people that are so important to you at the game and to share those moments in the immediate aftermath of a game...
"You go to your family and those people who are with you and supported you all through the years.
"Not to have them there is disappointing and it would be nice if the GAA - I don’t know if they are - could look into maybe getting family there.
"A big stadium like Croke Park, I don’t think there is any reason why it couldn’t be made possible. You’re looking for maybe 500 people in a 82,000 capacity stadium.
"I see over in England this weekend they’re going back trialling crowds into sporting games and it’s an outdoor arena and I just think it would be nice and it would be safe.
"I know it would mean a whole lot to the players. It would mean a huge amount."
Morrissey's forward colleague Aaron Gillane is rated only 50-50 to be fit for the clash with the Déise.
The Ahane man took over the free-taking duties to score the last point of the 0-27 to 0-24 win, and said that while he fully expected Gillane to be fit, he was ready to step up and hit the placed balls for the final if needed.
"I don't think it will daunt me as a free-taker," he insisted. "It's not something that will faze me.
"I've taken frees for the club all the way up along. I took them in Pairc Ui Chaoimh two years ago when Aaron was injured.
"You have your routine prepped and it’s just about sticking to that routine you have and implementing it on the day no matter what match it is.
"I’m not concerned about it at the moment and I’m pretty sure Aaron will be playing come Sunday week."
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