Alleged Covid breach at All-Ireland final 'caught on Croke Park CCTV', report reveals
Mayo GAA has been asked by Croke Park to explain the alleged presence of three non-accredited members of their senior management backroom team in the stadium for the All-Ireland final defeat to Dublin last month, according to a report by the Irish Independent today.
The report outlined: "An official party of 12 was allowed to be present in the ground and the Irish Independent understands that the covert method of entry used by the additional trio was captured on CCTV and, as a consequence, the county has been asked for a response.
"What kind of action, disciplinary or otherwise, is possible is not yet clear.
"All those entering the stadium had to fill out Covid-19 questionnaires to ensure clearance.
"Under rule, a 26-man playing squad with 12 backroom members and two county board officers were permitted entry to grounds on match days, totalling 40.
"There was controversy over the omission of additional panel members with Limerick hurling manager John Kiely among the most vocal after their Munster final win over Waterford in November.
"Cleared for the All-Ireland finals, and football semi-finals, additional members were cleared by the Department of Sport, in consultation with the GAA and other sporting organisations, to be present on match day.
"For the All-Ireland football final, all 40 or so members of the extended Mayo squad were in place.
"But the number of backroom members permitted remained unchanged and on reviewing the CCTV footage in one particular part of the ground, Croke Park are understood to have been able to make a clear case to Mayo that this was breached.
"The GAA had sought permission to allow family members to be at the All-Ireland finals but this was turned down, while their request to provide dinner in the immediate aftermath of the games was also rebuffed.
"GAA president John Horan was the only leading GAA official at the All-Ireland football final to fulfil his function in making the cup presentation speech.
"The matter is expected to be addressed at the next Mayo County Board meeting."
The Connaught Telegraph reported on December 29 last a controversy has arisen over an alleged breach of the Covid restrictions in place for those attending the All-Ireland senior football final against Dublin at Croke Park on December 19.
It revealed: "Sources are speculating that two people not on the Mayo GAA's official list of attendees gained access to the game.
"Only those on the two 26-player matchday squads and non-playing panel members, along with 12 members of the management and backroom teams, were permitted entry.
"However, it is alleged that two people not part of the official Mayo party gained entry in breach of regulations."
When contacted at the time, the chairman of Mayo County Board, Liam Moffatt, said: “To my knowledge, everyone who gained entry to Croke Park for the All-Ireland final on December 19 were checked by security at the gate of the stadium.”