ALL GAA ACTIVITY STILL SUSPENDED

While the country is still under lockdown, the club grounds and facilities will remain closed completely until further notice from GAA headquarters. There is hope of some GAA returning during the summer, but for now, players, members and the general public are not allowed use of Club Grounds or Facilities for any activity including training or recreational while the current restrictions are in place.

5-PHASE EASING OF RESTRICTIONS

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gave a State of the Nation address on Friday and a full breakdown on details is available online through gov.ie. The current restrictions are in place until Monday May 18th BUT from Tuesday May 5th there are 2 changes to the current restrictions: 1) While still recommended to remain cocooned, those at risk (health issues, elderly etc) can leave the home and travel within a distance of 5km, but while doing so are asked to limit or avoid contact with other people and 2) The 2km exercise limit has been extended to 5km.

From May 18th, the plan is to open the country in slow staged phases - 5 stages all 3 weeks apart - with the 5th and final stage expected to commence on August 10th. All stages to be continually assessed and changes to be made accordingly and depending on how the virus is spreading.

Phase 1 starting on Monday May 18th:

·         Outdoor work (construction, landscaping etc) can resume

·         Certain retail outlets like garden centres, repair shops and DIY stores can re-open

·         Non-contact outdoor sports and fitness activities can resume BUT in small numbers only

·         Regular health services will resume operating

·         People can begin to meet again BUT only in small groups (max 4 people) outdoors

Good hygiene practices, regular cleaning etc will remain in place for some time to come, and, importantly for many, schools and colleges are not due to re-open until September/October at the start of the new academic year.

SYMPATHY

Sympathy is extended to Rosarie O’Leary, Lissivigeen on the recent passing of her brother Sean in Cork.

VOLUNTEERS AVAILABLE FOR ANYONE THAT NEEDS HELP AT THIS TIME

Spa GAA are part of the Community Volunteer programme and as well as the Kerry Volunteers helpline, we have a list of club members in different areas that have offered to be available if called upon during these few weeks.

If anyone needs help with shopping, deliveries etc please contact either the

Kerry Community Volunteers (Tel 1800 807 009 / Text 50555 / Email covidsupport@kerrycoco.ie) OR contact the club directly:

Patrick (0876332773), Michael (0858213027), Conor (0872565142) or Deirdre (0851216359).

WELL DONE TO OUR U10s

Well done to our U10 players and parents who created a video clip showing our youngsters are still practicing their skills while in lockdown. Video can be viewed on our website or social media pages.

SPA ARCHIVES

Thank you to everyone who is sending in photos, programmes, newspaper clippings etc of Spa over the years! We are going through our history of teams, events and members over the years, and they can be found on our website (spagaa.com) or our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). If you have any old photos, newspaper clippings, programmes etc, please send them on to 0851216359 (text or what’s app), email pro.spa.kerry@gaa.ie or private message our Spa social media pages.

SPA LOTTO

The Spa Lotto remains suspended for the foreseeable future. The expiry dates of annual tickets and online tickets will be extended to compensate for weeks when Lotto is not held.

STAY UP TO DATE ON OUR SPA NEWS

Keep up to date with all our Spa news and all our archive footage being added to the website by visiting www.spagaa.com and click the subscribe link at the bottom of the page.

ITEMS FOR NOTES
Any items for the club notes please contact Deirdre at pro.spa.kerry@gaa.ie or 0851216359 before 8pm on Sundays.

ADVICE ON COPING WITH LIFE IN LOCKDOWN FROM OUR HEALTH & WELLBEING OFFICER

Reminder of the advice from our H&W Officer Margaret Doyle on ways to cope with the current restrictions:

• Connect: Try to make connection with those around you or by contacting a friend or club squad member of your team

• Be Active: Try and get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day, depending on your fitness level

• Take Notice: Broaden your awareness of those around you Learn new skills and be mindful of each skill you learn

• Learn: Set yourself goals in life and in sport and try to learn from others

• Give: People who help others are more likely to be happier people. Try to commit to an act of kindness each week