For the first time since the GAA was founded in 1884, this year’s hurling, camogie and Gaelic football season is not a given.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the social distancing restrictions that continue to be in place globally threaten the likelihood of there being any GAA championships worldwide in 2020.
The GAA clubs of San Diego Na Fianna, Setanta and St.Peter’s all began their seasons in the past few weeks in a way they had never kicked the season off before. The players found themselves speaking to their fellow teammates through a computer screen instead of on the pitch in person.
Noel Mythen, president of St. Peter’s GAA club explained the proative actions the club took once there was a realization that the pandemic was going to have a significant impact on the season: ‘We have moved to virtual training’s once a week as well as adding a different challenge each week, but of course that comes with its own limitations. However, the virtual training has allowed us to continue to grow the club by adding new members, albeit virtually for now”.
He continued by stating that “it is very likely that there will be no competitive season for 2020 but we remain positive because in order to continue to progress”. He also added the club had to unfortunately postpone their 10 year anniversary trip to Ireland which was scheduled for June, with games organized against teams in Ireland. Though disappointed, the players are remaining positive in the mindset that it is postponed, not canceled, and are looking forward to the day they will be able to travel to Ireland.
“The social aspect is also a significant part of what the St Pete’s team is all about so every Saturday we have a virtual social hour just to chat, catch up and keep all the lunatics sane!”
Though social distancing and lock-down may be keeping us apart for another while still, we’re continually being brought closer together as a community. At the Irish Outreach Center, we’re here for you as a resource and source of support through this unprecedented time. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 619-291-1630 or [email protected] with any queries you may have.