Domestic indoor season cancelled (29th Jan)

Domestic indoor season cancelled

It came as no surprise, but on Friday 29th January, Athletics Ireland confirmed the cancellation of the National Senior Indoor Championships, which were scheduled to take place at the National Indoor Arena in Dublin in three weeks time. The decision was taken in light of the ongoing Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions, which have been extended until early March. Similarly, the National juvenile committee decided that it would not be in a position to hold the National Juvenile Indoors either. Whilst a small cohort of elite athletes have been granted a Government exemption to continue to train at Level 5, the prohibition on any Club training would not allow most athletes sufficient time to prepare safely for events, even if held at a later date than normal. Following suit, Athletics Leinster has also confirmed the cancellation of the Leinster Indoors this year, thus ending any prospect of indoor competition this season, except for a few elite athletes.

On a more positive note, the Athletics Ireland juvenile committee met recently to discuss fixtures for 2021 and have developed several proposals to offer as much competition at juvenile level as possible. A meeting is scheduled this week with representatives from the Regions, including Athletics Leinster, to discuss the proposals and agree fixtures for the coming months. The juvenile committee is also aware of a need for qualification for the European u/18 and u/20 T&F and believes that something needs to be put in place for athletes to work towards and to help Clubs recruit and retain members. We also hope to learn of the fixture plans for outdoor T&F for seniors and masters too. As we learn more, we’ll update members.