DONEGAL GAA Secretary Declan Martin says that the difficulties of this year will be felt by the Association well into 2021.
The shutters came down on Gaelic Games action in early March and the delayed campaign resampled after the end of lockdown with games played behind closed doors.
There were limited attendances permitted at some club games initially while fundraising was at a standstill for many clubs.
“The difficulties of 2020 will be felt right through to 2021,” Martin said in his report to the annual convention last night.
“All units of the association have been hampered in many of the basic practices that are carried out on a daily and weekly basis.
“Closing the gates of our grounds has been difficult for all our members. Financially, all units have found it difficult to fundraise, as door to door lotto sellers could not carry out this basic function.
“Going forward into 2021 we are looking at similar periods ahead, and we hope that we can get back to some form of normality as soon as possible.”
Empty terraces at Sean Mac Cumhaill Park. Picture by Chris Doherty
Martin said that the Association had been to the fore throughout the pandemic. Donegal GAA Chairperson Mick McGrath was a liaison officer with the Donegal County Council who co-ordinated a Community Response Helpline.
The Naomh Muire clubman said that Donegal GAA members could look with ‘pride and satisfaction’ at 2020.
Martin said: “The work by many volunteers in supplying food and essential requirements to the elderly and vulnerable in our societies has been inspirational and the actions incorporate the ethos of inclusivity for all.
“Most of our clubs got involved in assisting the supply of goods and information to our communities, either directly or through their own parish workgroups and enterprise schemes.
“When we look back on 2020 it will be measured in different ways than most previous years. Covid-19 has made the year a difficult one for all our clubs and it has been heartening to see the many ways that the members of our association have worked to help the health and well-being of our members and indeed all the people in our communities.”
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