Senator's warning over Covid 'blame game'

Sen O'Reilly went on to note that the GAA is “not some abstract body”, but in fact created out of the communities from all over the county.

Cavan Fine Gael Senator Joe O'Reilly states that it is “wrong to blame” GAA Club or County Officers for misbehaviour by individuals after matches.

Sen O'Reilly, who was recently elected to the position of Leas Cathaoirleach in the Seanad, said: “as nerves become jarred with the impact of Covid we must be careful not to damage community cohesion with the blame game.”

He stated: “It is wrong to blame GAA Club or County Officers for misbehaviour by individuals after matches.

“We must remember that officials cannot police the aftermath of games.”

Sen O'Reilly went on to note that the GAA is “not some abstract body”, but in fact created out of the communities from all over the county.

“There is many a young person who would be in the throes of despair, addiction and underachievement were it not for the endless hours of work by voluntary officials and coaches,” Sen O'Reilly continued: “Thank God they will never know that.”

Saying that as the pandemic rages, as a county “we must stay united  and supportive of each other to have communities intact to start again. We are all in this together.

“The real challenge is to try and do the right thing ourselves by washing hands, keeping distance and wearing a mask. If we each do that the overall response will be strong and protective.

“Let’s not seek scapegoats outside ourselves but rather remember that we have only one person to manage and account for.

“Let’s not forget that we live in the shadow of each other,” concluded Senator O Reilly.