Sport postponed as new Coronvirus measures come in from Boxing Day

All sporting activity will cease in Northern Ireland between 26 December and 2 January under new Covid-19 restrictions.
By Steven Crawford
Published 17th Dec 2020, 21:33 BST
Updated 17th Dec 2020, 21:36 BST
Irish Premiership fixtures on Boxing Day have been postponedIrish Premiership fixtures on Boxing Day have been postponed
Irish Premiership fixtures on Boxing Day have been postponed

On Thursday night the Stormont executive announced a six-week lockdown in Northern Ireland, which will begin on 26 December.

The traditional Boxing Day games in the Irish Premiership will be affected along with Ulster's Pro14 match against Munster.

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There is also a full programme of Premiership fixtures on 29 December and 2 January, meaning a total of 18 matches to be rescheduled.

The Round of 32 of the Irish Cup is scheduled for January 9, however, the Irish FA confirmed the matches may have to be rescheduled as the Northern Ireland Executive introduces further Covid lockdown measures.

This is because at present the Irish Cup is not classified as an elite competition.

Only three of the 16 games are all-Premiership ties. At present only games in the Premiership have been able to take place due to it having ‘elite’ status.

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But it remains to be seen if those three cup ties will be played or not.

Speaking at the draw Irish FA president David Martin reaffirmed the association’s hope that the competition will be completed.

“We are determined we will complete all our national competitions this season,” said Mr Martin.

But he added a caveat that “we are determined to work within the government guidelines and keeping to protocol”.

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Related topics:SportDavid MartinMunsterUlsterNorthern Ireland Executive