The GAA has postponed all this weekend’s Gaelic games fixtures because of fears foot-and-mouth might spread following a confirmed outbreak of the disease on a farm in South Armagh.
Acting on advise from the Department of Agriculture, the GAA has postponed all football and hurling inter-county fixtures. As a result, round four of the National Hurling League will have to be rescheduled for a later date.
The AIB All-Ireland Club Hurling replay between Sixmilebridge and Graigue-Ballycallan is also postponed.
In a statement released by headquarters today, GAA President Sean McCague stated: "This decision will cause major disruption to competitions and would be hugely disappointing for players and supporters."
McCague said: "The association had no choice in the national interest in terms of trying to protect our agriculture industry and our economy from potential catastrophe."
Jarlath Burns, chairman of the GAA Players Committee,believes the GAA have made a "sensible decision" in banning this weekend's fixtures.
"I think the GAA have made a sensible decision as this also affects the health of the nation.I fully endorse the GAA’s view while the Irish government should also be credited for taking such measures."
Burns is concerned the lack of games will have a detrimental affect on players.
"This will definitely have a very negative effect on all players. I’m very concerned that the Sigerson Cup is going to suffer."
"Many of the players involved in that competition are playing at under-21 level and have to worry about exam pressure...the fact that the competition is going to drag on will only disrupt their studies."
Burns also expressed his concerns regarding club football in the country.
"I'm worried what affect the outbreak will have on club matches as many clubs, including my own, train on agricultural fields."
"Players have been building up their fitness to a sufficient level since January and it would be terrible to see that go to waste...maybe we will have to take to the roads in order to train."
Today's decision was taken in a bid to curtail the movement of people around the countryside as people wearing contaminated clothes or footwear, or using contaminated equipment, can pass the virus to susceptible animals.