Shanes Castle Steam Rally placed in jeopardy over Covid-19

A statement on their Facebook page says: “In the current situation with Covid-19 we therefore, as a precaution, we are holding back on sending out entry forms and have suspended the downloading of entry forms from the new website.

“We are hoping that the situation will change, however it is prudent to wait to see what actions government deems necessary to put in place before proceeding.”

They add that they will keep their Facebook page andf website updated on the situation.

Comments posted under the announcement reveal the public’s disappointment at the news.

“Devastating for all the businesses who rely on events like this each year...really hope it still goes ahead,” says one man.

Another adds: “Such a shame, but well done to the Committee for grasping the bull by the horns on this”.

On March 8 the Facebook page posted: “Shanes Castle Steam Rally

Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May 2020

For full details go to:

www.shanescastlesteamrally.co.uk”.

The news comes after two schools and three more sports clubs have closed in Northern Ireland over confirmed coronavirus cases.

Newtownhamilton High School and primary school, both located on the same site in the County Armagh town, are closed after a student tested positive.

West Belfast GAA club St Gall’s has closed its clubhouse after a member was diagnosed.

Two amateur football clubs have also closed their grounds after a player tested positive.

Tandragee Rovers, in County Armagh, said a senior player had been diagnosed with the virus.

County Down-based club Moneyslane, who hosted Tandragee in a match on Saturday, have also closed their Jubilee Park ground.

And in other developments - St Patrick’s Day parades in Belfast and across the Republic of Ireland have been cancelled

Manufacturing firm Sensata carried out a precautionary deep clean at one of its NI sites