Tyrone GAA have announced their decision not to field a team against Kerry in next weekend's All-Ireland semi-final.
The decision comes after the Tyrone panel was besieged by a raft of positive COVID-19 cases that forced the game to be pushed back one weekend.
A statement released by the Tyrone GAA Management Committee stated that the decision had been made before lining out the reasons behind it:
Having received expert medical opinion on the existing, and future health and welfare of the players who contracted Covid19 virus during the period of this last two weeks, and following consultation with the team's management, this decision has been made with the greatest reluctance, and with deep regret.
It is acknowledged that the decision taken will cause major disappointment and significant inconvenience for the Association, in general, the GAA fraternity of Kerry, and especially Tyrone's patrons and supporters, but the welfare and safety of the players has been the over-=riding factor in all considerations of this difficult decision.
31 July 2021; Tyrone joint-manager Brian Dooher speaks to his players after the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Final match between Monaghan and Tyrone at Croke Park in Dublin | SportsfileDuring the week, C.E.O. of the Gaelic Players Association Tom Parsons joined OTB AM to discuss the impact the breakout of cases had had on Tyrone.
"It looks like 50% of the squad has contracted the virus," he explained. "A squad is typically 32 to 35 players and in that you'll usually have three or four injuries.
"It means there's only have 15 or 16 players fit, so, there are just so many unknowns."
Furthermore, he suggested that there was a live possibility that Kerry may be afforded a walkover if indeed Tyrone did not believe they would be equipped to fulfill the fixture in time.
"Absolutely, the reality here is that it is a very serious case," he stated. "The comments made by Tyrone this week shouldn't' be taken lightly.
"The GPA's position on a postponement and standing down is very clear. Under no circumstances will we risk player welfare - that's non-negotiable and I think it is non-negotiable for the GAA as well.
"If postponing the game another week helps to ensure player welfare, that's the right thing to do. But another week is no guarantee. This is subjective, fluid."
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