The ball moves back to Wexford’s court and you might call this one a hospital pass.
On the back of a flurry of statements and accusations – none of which explained how two Clare players were identified by the HSE as close contacts of Wexford Covid cases – Clare county board have come out to back their manager, their players and to demand answers from the higher powers.
Questions still exist, particularly about the farcical revelation that the players were identified by the colour of their helmets but the revelation that Wexford were in touch with the HSE hints at a mistake on their behalf.
As far as Clare are concerned, the rumblings have not been good for a long time now but this, a statement issued to Clare FM by county board PRO Michael O’Connor, is as emphatic as you’ll get.
“The HSE designated the Clare players as close contacts which is their function and was never disputed. The issue is how they were identified as close contacts. The HSE in the Mid-West region were informed by the contact tracing team in relation to the decision that was made. Brian Lohan as manager of the Clare Team contacted the HSE locally when he was informed of the identification of 2 senior hurlers as close contacts. The HSE informed Brian Lohan that 2 players were identified on foot of discussions between the contact tracing team of the HSE and the Wexford players involved who were positive cases.
The HSE did confirm that for one of the players, they were identified, not by name but were identified by the colour of their helmet. This has led to two players having to self-isolate and if this process continues without clear clarification regarding Close and Casual contact from Croke Park it will have ramifications for the season ahead for club and county games.
Wexford are saying that they didn't identify any Clare player as a close contact.
In that case, was a HSE person in the stands in the Cusack Park seeing who was marking who? How do you believe that?https://t.co/boQmb1AlRc
— The GAA Hour (@TheGAAHour) May 24, 2021
Here below is the segment taken from the Covid-19: Return to Training and Play Guidelines for Inter County Teams regarding close contacts v casual contacts.
Potential ‘Close’ Contact scenarios
The following scenarios require careful planning and the implementation of strict control
measures by those involved with inter county panels.
• Use of a Gym or other indoor training facility.
• Use of dressing rooms (including showers)
• Pre and Post match/training meals
• Meetings for tactical analysis or game preparation.
• Collectively travelling to and from games/training.
• Overnight accommodation
None of the above refer to on-field playing activity.
Brian Lohan stands by his comments made last Sunday in relation to the incident and there remains much disappointment and frustration in our county in relation to why the Clare players were identified. We have already made representations to Croke Park on this player welfare issue, and we will be making further representation through the GPA.
To conclude, Clare GAA stand fully by the comments issued by the Clare senior hurling manager.”
