Sligo GAA have confirmed that the county's senior hurling team will not be able to fulfill their Christy Ring Cup tie with Derry this weekend.
In a statement released on Friday afternoon, it was confirmed by Sligo's County Board that the incident owing to their forfeiture of the game is Covid-related.
Days after clinching promotion from Division 3B with their defeat of Leitrim, a member of the Sligo team was found to have recorded a positive Covid-19 test.
"As such, a number of close contacts are now in isolation and the complete squad are now undertaking tests for the virus and are following HSE and GAA guidelines," the statement reads.
"Sligo GAA County Board officers have liaised with GAA officials in Croke Park since this issue arose. Both Derry and Leitrim have been informed of this case."
18 October 2020; Sligo captain Niall Feehily lifts the trophy following the Allianz Hurling League Division 3B Final match between Sligo and Leitrim at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Mayo. Photo by Harry Murphy/SportsfileSligo's forfeiture of this opening round fixture means that they will face one of the other first round losers in a playoff game on the weekend of November 7th/8th.
According to the statement, it is their intention to fulfil this fixture.
"We also wish to emphasise that the County Board, team management, players and backroom staff have followed HSE and GAA guidelines in relation to Covid-19 at all times," the statement continues.
"Finally, Sligo GAA accept that this is short notice for Derry ahead of Sunday’s fixture and send our apologies, but wish to assure them that since this matter arose on Wednesday, we have been working tirelessly to avoid this unfortunate situation whereby the game cannot proceed as fixed."
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This decision on Sligo's behalf comes after it was confirmed that Offaly's senior hurling team have forfeited their opening Christy Ring Cup tie with Kildare this weekend also.
As with Sligo, this decision was similarly influenced by a positive Covid test recorded a member of the playing personnel.
Both Sligo and Offaly will now await the results of this weekend's games to discover who they will face in their playoff fixture.
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