Point-to-Point racing will not return until after Sunday 19th April at the earliest, following the latest round of measures to have been introduced by the Irish Government in a bid to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
There has been no racing between the flags in Ireland since Ballyarthur and Ballyragget were staged behind closed doors on March 15th, and whilst racing under rules in this country has continued under similar strict policies, these latest raft of measures have seen all sport cancelled in the short term.
Speaking on Tuesday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, said:
“I am asking you to stay home if at all possible. That is the best way to slow the virus, ensure our hospitals are not overwhelmed and buy us the time we need to build more capacity - testing, contact tracing, beds, ventilators.
“So, you should only leave home to go to work if you can’t work from home and your attendance is essential.
“Social gatherings of individuals outdoors should be of no more than four, unless you are all from the same household.
“So, you should only leave home to go to work if you can’t work from home and your attendance is essential.
“Social gatherings of individuals outdoors should be of no more than four, unless you are all from the same household.
“No unnecessary travel should take place within the country or overseas, now or over the Easter break.
“In order to assist all of this, the restrictions I announced in Washington DC are being extended until Sunday 19th April.
“And, the following new actions are being taken….all sporting events are cancelled, including those behind closed doors.”
“In order to assist all of this, the restrictions I announced in Washington DC are being extended until Sunday 19th April.
“And, the following new actions are being taken….all sporting events are cancelled, including those behind closed doors.”
Earlier that morning, the IHRB had pre-empted the Taoiseach’s announcement, confirming the cancellation of upcoming fixtures.
“Due to the ever-evolving situation upcoming Point to Point fixtures have been cancelled until further notice. Regular updates will be issued once we have further information.
“Point to Points will recommence when it is deemed appropriate to do so.”
There are point-to-point fixtures scheduled until June 1st.
There are point-to-point fixtures scheduled until June 1st.
