The Northern Ireland Executive has moved to further ease their lockdown restrictions including the decision to permit spectators to attend outdoor sporting events from Friday July 24.
Announcing the decision, Communities Minister Carál Ni Chuilin said: “The Executive today recognised the importance of opening up sport again to spectators and reopening swimming pools to the general public and club swimmers.
“Permitting some spectators is an important step for those who spend their leisure time watching sport whether that be at an underage game or a professional event.
"It is important that we see a safe and sensible approach from everyone and that we realise that numbers and the arrangements for spectators will be very different for the foreseeable future.
The news will be welcomed by supporters of point-to-point racing in Northern Ireland with seven fixtures in the region scheduled for the autumn beginning at Necarne on September 26.
Already governing bodies of other sports in the region have reacted to the decision and have begun planning for the re-introduction of spectators at their events.
Ulster GAA has advised their members that 400 people can now attend club games, the Irish FA have confirmed an attendance of 500 people at next Friday’s Irish Cup Final at Windsor Park, Cricket officials are set to welcome spectators to club games, whilst the Ulster Centre of the Motor Cycle Union of Ireland has announced that they have received permission to resume competitive motorcycle racing with spectators in attendance.
NI Autumn 2020 Point-to-Point Fixtures
26 Sept – Necarne
3 Oct – Broughshane
10 Oct – Moira
17 Oct – Portrush
24 Oct – Loughanmore
14 Nov – Loughbrickland
21 Nov – Kirkistown
NI Autumn 2020 Point-to-Point Fixtures
26 Sept – Necarne
3 Oct – Broughshane
10 Oct – Moira
17 Oct – Portrush
24 Oct – Loughanmore
14 Nov – Loughbrickland
21 Nov – Kirkistown
