Tyrone’s semi-final against Kerry could be moved back over Covid-19

The GAA will know on Monday the extent of the threat to next weekend’s All-Ireland football semi-final between Tyrone and Kerry. The Ulster champions announced on Saturday that “a number of players” are self-isolating pending the results of Covid-19 tests.

There were a number of withdrawals before the Ulster final win over Monaghan a week ago and the county said it decided to have all panellists and management tested for Covid.

Joint manager Feargal Logan was unable to attend the match as were players Rory Brennan, Frank Burns, Richie Donnelly and Tiernan McCann.

In the light of media reports of further cases and speculation about a possible threat to the All-Ireland semi-final on Sunday week, Tyrone GAA released a statement confirming that members of the playing panel and mentors have been tested.

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“While outcomes from these tests are awaited a number of players are self-isolating; it is anticipated that all outcomes will be known by Monday and preparations can then be made for the forthcoming All-Ireland semi final with Kerry,” the statement read.

“During the past week Tyrone GAA has continued to comply, fully, with the guidelines and directives that have been issued by the Public Health Authority and by Croke Park.”

If the outbreak turns out to be widespread within the panel, the match may have to be called off, as regulations provide for the playing of All-Ireland semi-finals and finals involving teams unable to field because of Covid – as was the case this weekend with the Cork under-20 hurlers whose All-Ireland final against Galway has been deferred from this Saturday until Tuesday week, August 17th.

Were Tyrone-Kerry to be postponed, it would obviously have a knock-on effect on the All-Ireland football final, scheduled for Sunday, August 29th.