Health and safety of our members and our community has been our number one priority since the beginning of the Covid – 19 pandemic. We have at all times adhered to the cessation of football instruction and since 29th June have followed the FAI Safer Return to Training Protocol.

Level 3 restrictions come into force today 7th October, for a minimum duration of 3 weeks. The FAI have issued a revised FAI Safer Return to Training Protocol. https://www.fai.ie/domestic/news/fai-safer-return-to-train-protocol

All games have been suspended but groups are permitted to train outdoors in controlled groups in a non-contact environment. The FAI have issued a directive to all clubs that “Coaches and players are not permitted to leave their resident county for training with adult amateur and non-elite underage teams”. This specific element, no doubt well intended for public health reasons, puts Lough Derg FC in a very challenging position given that our membership and community straddles Clare and Tipperary.

We have sought and will continue to lobby for a local exemption given our particular geographical situation and the fact that the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina function as one entity in terms of economical activities, education, social, services, sport and recreation.

The current reality is that members, players and coaches, residing in County Tipperary cannot attend training activity at Clarisford Park in County Clare. As a result we have had to cancel mid-week sessions this week. We are exploring alternatives that ensure this weekend all players will have an opportunity to attend a compliant training session in their county of residence. This may mean travelling to Birdhill Pitch or other facilities on the Tipperary side.

No doubt there are challenges ahead. Our objective is to provide safe sport and recreation for our members and will at all times do so in compliant fashion. As we react to the most recent challenges bear with us as we pull together a schedule that delivers for as many members as possible.

Yours in sport,

Lough Derg FC Committee