Sligo concede Connacht clash with Galway after players test positive for Covid-19

Galway have issued a statement expressing their disappointment with the fixture’s cancellation.

LAST UPDATE | 4 Nov 2020

SLIGO GAA HAVE confirmed they have withdrawn from Saturday’s Connacht senior football semi-final against Galway due to players in their squad testing positive for Covid-19.

A statement released by the Sligo county board outlined the reasoning with the board, players and management ‘extremely upset’ at having to make the deicision.

The game was scheduled to take place in Pearse Stadium at 1.15pm on Saturday afternoon but Galway will now advance directly to the Connacht final on 15 November against either Mayo or Roscommon, who are set to play in Sunday’s semi-final.

Due to a number of Covid 19 cases in their Senior Football squad @sligogaa have conceded their Connacht SFC semi final to @Galway_GAA #ConnachtGAA
— Connacht GAA (@ConnachtGAA) November 3, 2020

Sligo GAA statement re Connacht SFC fixture v @Galway_GAA on Sat. Nov 7https://t.co/gLlXVQoQwz
— Sligo GAA (@sligogaa) November 3, 2020

The full Sligo statement reads:

“Sligo GAA have taken the tough decision to withdraw from this weekend’s Connacht SFC semi-final versus Galway.

“Paul Taylor and his management team along with the panel of 32 players have been working together since September. Due to the unforeseen circumstances of players testing positive for Covid-19 and other players deemed as close contacts, makes it impossible for Sligo to fulfil the fixture.

“The county board executive along with the players and management are extremely upset at having to make this decision. The players themselves are hugely disappointed at not having the option of a re-fixture and feel the outcome has been forced on them, whilst understanding that in these unusual times it is not possible to take part this coming weekend.

“All affected by Covid-19 findings are following the requisite HSE guidelines and we are glad to report doing well at this time.

“Sligo GAA have informed GAA officials at Croke Park and Connacht GAA of this regrettable but correct decision.”

Meanwhile, Galway have also issued a statement, credited to their chairperson Pat Kearney, which reads:

“It’s hugely disappointing for everybody involved but we’re living in unprecedented times. We’ve been in contact with Sligo GAA over the last two days and would like to wish them all the very best. The Galway Senior Football team will continue with their training this week with all their focus now on the Connacht SF Final on Sunday week. Galway GAA will be making no further comment on this matter.”

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