The McGrath cup sees first COVID postponement of the 2022 GAA season as Group A match between Waterford and Clare scheduled for Sunday has been postponed.
It was confirmed by Munster GAA on Friday that Waterford are unable to field a team due to the number of COVID cases, close contacts and injuries in their panel.
The clash was due to be Ephie Fitzgerald’s first match as Waterford manager. Tuesday’s match between Leitrim and Sligo at Connacht GAA’s AirDome will now be the first inter-county game of the new year.
While it is unlikely to be the only match to suffer postponement in the coming season, the GAA had previously stated that they were committed to fulfilling the season as scheduled.
Last week, Croke Park’s GAA's director of player, club, and games administration stated: “Our plan is to complete the entire games programme again.
“If government regulations change, then we’ll have to change. And it will all depend on when they change, to what extent they change, etc.
“So it’s as simple as that. It’s keeping an eye on the environment around us. The one advantage we have is that we’ve been through this before and we’re used to thinking on our feet when it comes to Covid.”
The Allianz Leagues begin on January 29th.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.