DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2021
This year the annual Darkness Into Light event will take place on Saturday May 8th and will again be a socially distanced event. Everyone is encouraged to join Pieta House and Electric Ireland for Nathan's Walk 2021 and give the gift of hope to those impacted by suicide and self-harm.
Join in any way you can – walk, swim, bike - and simply share your sunrise moment in your own unique way on 8th May in your own area in your own bubbles.
Visit www.darknessintolight.ie for details and to register for the Kerry event to support the annual Nathan’s Walk.
LATEST GOVERNMENT UPDATE
In the latest national address, Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced a gradual easing of restrictions over the coming weeks. The main points are outlined below, with good news for the GAA as inter-county training resumes from April 19th and juvenile training (under 18) can resume from April 26th.
The main points are as follows and full details as always are available on www.gov.ie:
From April 12th:
The 5km limit will be extended to county-wide travel
Members from up to two households can meet outdoors
There will be a phased return of the construction industry, starting on April 12th for those involved in the construction of housing & childcare facilities
All school classes at primary and secondary level to resume
From April 19th:
Senior level inter-county training can resume (with National Leagues expected to start in May)
Training for elite athletes approved by Sport Ireland can resume
From April 26th:
Outdoors sports training for juveniles (under 18) can resume
Golf courses and outdoor tennis courts can reopen
Outdoor visitor attractions such as zoos and wildlife parks can open
Up to 25 mourners can attend a funeral
Two people who have been fully vaccinated can meet indoors or outdoors
At the end of April and into May there will be a review on the phased re-opening of other sectors - non-essential retail, personal services, all non-contact sports training, religious services, museums, galleries and libraries - and additional freedoms for those who are fully vaccinated.
Towards the end of May, and depending on progress, there will be a review on the re-opening of hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses in June and all hospitality sectors to be opened in the summer.
From there, and with the rollout of the vaccine in its advanced stages, they hope to look at the re-opening of all remaining sectors.
There are now 4 different vaccines in use in Europe and despite the delays in supply, the vaccination program is well underway in Ireland. The good news is that the vaccine supply is set to increase dramatically in April, May and June. The walk-in test centres in areas with high numbers have been well received, and antigen testing is expected to be introduced shortly.
By the middle of April, it is expected that all over 70s will have had their first dose and by mid/late May, all over 70s will be fully vaccinated.
By the end of next week, it is expected close to 1 million vaccines will have been given out. By the end of May, close to 3 million doses of the vaccine will have been administered, that number will increase to 5 million by early July, and 6 million vaccines administered by the end of July.
Next update, including a decision on return of GAA at club level for U20 and Senior, is due on April 26th.
GAA RESPONSE TO THE NEW GOVERNEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Statement from GAA on 30.03.2021 following latest government announcement:
A chairde,
I know you will be aware by now of the positive announcement by the Irish Government this evening that non-contact underage training in pods of 15 will be permitted from April 26th and that full contact Inter-County training at adult level can re-commence from April 19th.
These are hugely welcome developments and allow us finally to begin planning on-field activity for the remainder of 2021. However, it should also be noted that these dates are conditional and will very much depend on what happens in terms of the overall COVID-19 picture in the coming weeks. For that reason, it is more important than ever that no collective training sessions are held between now and the Government indicated return dates. Breaches in this context will not only be dealt with under our own Rules but would likely put the broader plan to return to activity in serious jeopardy.
As you will appreciate, we need to receive further clarity on aspects of what was announced today before finalising our plans for a return to training and ultimately games. We also need to finalise competition structures and dates for the up-coming inter-county season, as well as ensuring advice is provided for all clubs in relation to how they can safely recommence underage activity (and in the case of the 6 Counties, adult club training from April 12th).
At this point, we can only confirm that Senior Inter County teams both North and South are likely to be permitted to return to collective training from Monday, April 19th. We hope to be in a position to confirm the fixture calendar and competition structures for inter county by the end of next week.. We also hope to have finalised updated versions of our Return to Play documents for both inter-county and club activity ahead of the stated dates for resumption North and South of the border.
In the interim, we would ask for your patience while we complete this work and we look forward to communicating in detail with you all again next week in relation to the resumption of GAA activity.
Is muidne, le meas,
Labhrás Mac Carthaigh, Uachtarán
Tomás O Riain, Ard Stiúrthóir
SPA LOTTO RESULTS 29/03/21
Numbers drawn: 5, 19, 22, 24. No winner and Lucky Dips receive €50 each to Sean Devane, Noritta Cronin, Colin Moynihan and Melissa Foley.
Our weekly Monday night Lotto draws continue and this week's JACKPOT is €7,000.
Tickets are on sale online here on spagaa.com or from Dalys Supervalu, Killarney Hardware, Centra Muckross Rd, Spa clubhouse or from usual sellers.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support for our club lotto, which we need now more than ever as it is our only source of income.
REGISTRATION
Spa GAA club registration for 2021 is open online here through www.spagaa.com.
Registration for the year ahead is required for all members and this year, due to the ongoing restrictions, we are asking everyone to sign up online through the link to clubforce.
Any adult members who want to be included in the club text messaging system going forward, please contact the PRO on 0851216359 or pro.spa.kerry@gaa.ie.
SYMPATHY
Our condolences to Fiona and Micheál O’Leary on the passing of Michael Fogarty RIP, Kanturk. May He Rest in Peace.
FINAL CHANCE TO SUPPORT LADIES GAA LIDL PROMOTION
Lidl Ireland are encouraging clubs to support their ladies teams by collecting stamps on the Lidl app each time you spend a minimum of €30 in store. Just download the LidlPlus app, select your club and start collecting! Open until this Saturday April 10th, and each time you spend min. €30 and scan your app at the till, you will receive a digital stamp. Once six stamps have been collected, users can submit their completed stamp card via the app and their stamps are then added to their chosen club’s total.
ITEMS FOR NOTES
Any items for the club notes please contact pro.spa.kerry@gaa.ie or 0851216359 before 8pm on Sundays.