Phase 1 of re opening: Stadium update

The Government has laid out specific guidelines and criteria which must be met for public health reasons as part of phase 1. This phase commences on Monday, May 18th and provides that groups of four can meet up to engage in sport and training activities however the following must be observed.

You must be within a 5KM radius of where you are training).

You must be within the age categories directed (U/13’s and O/70s are excluded under the current government guidelines)

There can be no physical contact whatsoever between the members of the small training group.

Social distancing of 2M must be strictly observed at all times between members of the training group and the general public.

Please be mindful of other users of the park where you may be training (we are all aware that at present there is an anti-runner bias out there)

Train in a quiet park at a quiet time, we would strongly advise first thing in the morning or late in the evening (please ensure to avoid the hours of 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM)

Please observe coughing and sneezing etiquette.

Please refrain entirely from spitting.

Wash your hands before you leave home to go running, bring a hand sanitiser with you, do not press any pedestrian crossing buttons and if you are stretching do not use a railings or park bench or similar to support you while you stretch.

Do not share drinks, be absolutely careful that your drink bottle does not touch against another athletes drink bottle, do not handle another athletes drink bottle, it is vitally important that cross contamination is avoided.

If you have any symptoms of Covid-19 do not train, self isolate and contact your GP.

As a result of direct consultation between Athletics Ireland and Sport Ireland it has been confirmed that the sport of athletics can return in a limited way from Monday 18th.Clonliffe Harriers are currently engaged in putting together the appropriate protocols and guidelines for our athletes and coaches and we hope to publish these next week. In the meantime the committee specifically requests that members do not use Morton Stadium during Clonliffe times until the week commencing May 25.

We have also clarified with the management of Morton Stadium their position with regard to reopening in phase 1. The stadium, not unexpectedly, also has a huge body of work to implement to ensure the safety of all users including staff, athletes and coaches. The management of the stadium are currently engaged in that task and expect that that work is going to take the best part of next week. Please note that Morton Stadium will not be reopening on Monday. The management of Morton Stadium are currently projecting a reopening of the stadium heading towards next weekend. When we have an update on the actual date of reopening of Morton Stadium we will post this on this site. In the meantime please note that Morton Stadium remains closed.

We request all members therefore to refrain from any usage of Morton Stadium until further notice. Whilst we very much appreciate that our athletes and coaches are anxious to get back to work there currently remains a risk in doing so until such time as appropriate and full preparations have been made, therefore we request that all remain patient for another week.In the meantime of course athletes and a coach (limited to 4 persons) can meet off site, observing the above criteria, for training. Clonliffe Harriers very much looks forward to seeing our coaches and athletes back in action in Morton Stadium as soon as is feasible.

Clonliffe Harriers remains committed to the guidance and direction of Athletics Ireland, Sport Ireland, the HSE and the Government.