ANTRIM  camog Niamh Donnelly says that getting children back onto the playing fields is important.

Donnelly is a PE teacher at St Patrick’s College, Maghera, and understands the needs that kids have at the moment, and the challenges that they face when they do not get the exercise they once had.

With primary school teaching returning next week, and older children gradually returning to class after Easter, Donnelly said that the time was right for children to be allowed to return to playing.

“It is all about getting children in the fresh air, and out playing. Yes they can do that on their own but it is better if they can do that with their friends. I see children out playing, but it is better if they are in a team atmosphere.

“They do need to be away from TV or computer screens. I know myself from being in front of a computer screen and knowing they are on the other end of that, that they need to be outside.

“They probably need to be out there a lot quicker than us. It is just going to be better for them.”