Live sport in this country could be given a major lift today if the Cabinet decides to proceed to Phase 4 of the government roadmap for reopening society and business.
Ireland was originally supposed to move on to Phase 4 in mid-July but a decision was made to keep the Phase 3 health measures on Covid-19 in place until 10 August due to a rise in the virus reproductive rate.
Currently 200 people can gather together at outdoor events, and that had been due to rise to 500 people in Phase 4. That 200 limit includes players, backroom teams, media, officials, stewards and the rest of the volunteer core that assemble to stage matches, which has left very little room for supporters to attend matches.