GAA Championship draws postponed amid uncertainty

The Irish Examiner reports that they will now not take place until March 'at least.'

It's understood that the continued uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 is the reason for the decision.

As things stand, the GAA has suspended all activity until March 5th at the earliest.

The current period of government Level 5 restrictions are fixed until that date in the Republic of Ireland.

The Northern Irish Executive has also imposed similar measures until the same date.

GAA postpone provincial championship draws https://t.co/VybLsAUdm6

— Irish Examiner Sport (@ExaminerSport) February 1, 2021

The GAA had published its intention to begin the 2021 programme with the Allianz Leagues at the end of February.

However, the new measures mean it is now unlikely that any inter-county action will take place until the end of March at the earliest.

There is an expectation that once measures are lifted somewhat the GAA will permit four weeks of training for inter-county teams before competitive action resumes.

The four provincial football championship draws were scheduled to take place next week, as well as the Leinster and Munster hurling championship draws.

Indeed, the make-up of the Connacht Championship has been significantly altered as New York will not take part again in 2021.

London could also be set to miss out for the second successive year, in which case Mayo will receive a bye.

Roscommon were due to travel to the Big Apple in 2021.

There is also a suggestion that a league-based championship format could be put into use.