Galway’s free passage to decider as Sligo sidelined

GALWAY have advanced unchecked and untested to a Connacht senior football final against Mayo or Roscommon after their provincial semi-final opponents Sligo were forced to withdraw from this weekend’s fixture due to an outbreak of Covid-19 in their camp.

It was confirmed on Monday that seven Sligo players had tested positive for the virus, casting the fixture in some doubt. Sligo GAA subsequently announced on Tuesday night that, with regret, they were withdrawing from this Saturday’s Connacht SFC semi-final.

In a statement, Sligo GAA added: “Paul Taylor (manager) 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 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.”

With GAA President John Horan having declared earlier this week that postponements related to Covid-19 would not be considered in the provincial championships – only for All-Ireland semi-finals and final – it left Sligo GAA will little option but to forfeit the fixture.

Responding to the news, Galway GAA Chairman Pat Kearney admits it’s hugely disappointing for all concerned, but notes “we’re living in unprecedented times”.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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