CROWDS WILL SLOWLY begin to be welcomed back into sports stadiums in the Republic of Ireland in the coming weeks, with the latest easing of Covid-19 restrictions announced by Taoiseach Micheál Martin this evening.
From 7 June, up to 200 people will be allowed attend outdoor events at venues which have a minimum capacity of 5,000, while up to 100 people can attend other outdoor events.
Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres will also reopen for individual training only on this date.
July will see the return of indoor sports events and activities, while from 5 July, most outdoor events will be allowed crowds of up to 200, with a maximum of 500 allowed at outdoor venues and stadiums with a minimum capacity of 5,000.
It is hoped that these numbers will increase again in August.
The government have also announced a series of test events to take place in June, with a view of informing guidance for venues due to reopen in July or for growing crowd numbers in August.
Minister of State for Sport, Jack Chambers, has confirmed further test events for July and August.
1. Crowds are back at games!
— Jack Chambers TD (@jackfchambers) May 28, 2021
From June 7th 100 at small sporting venues with 200 in larger ones This will increase to 200 & 500 in July with further increases in August.
We’re also planning a series of test events starting in June for larger stadia: pic.twitter.com/fIlmTeOBpK
On 11 June, a maximum of 1,200 supporters will be allowed attend the Leinster v Dragons rugby game at the RDS. Up to 1,000 will be permitted at the League of Ireland meeting between Shamrock Rovers and Finn Harps at Tallaght Stadium, with 600 present for Cork City and Cabinteely at Turner’s Cross.
The Camogie National League finals on 20 June will also serve as a test event with a crowd of up to 3,000 allowed in Croke Park. On 26 June up to 400 spectators will be allowed attend the National Athletics Championships at Morton Stadium in Santry, and up to 1,000 racegoers will back at the Curragh at the end of June.
The LGFA have also confirmed that their National League Division 1 and 2 finals on 26 June in Croke Park will act as a test event.
The test events planned for July include the Ireland rugby team’s matches against Japan (3 July) and the USA (10 July) at the Aviva Stadium.
The Munster hurling championship semi-final meeting of Cork and Limerick in Thurles on 3 July will also serve as a test event, as will the Irish Open at Mount Juliet.
A list of the planned test events is available here.
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