ULSTER GAA have confirmed that they have been forced to furlough many of their coaching staff due to the closure of schools.

The Government guidance at the moment is that pre-school, primary and post-primary schools will provide remote learning until the half-term break in mid-February.

As Ulster GAA provides a large amount of coaching to primary schools, and in particular as part of the Gaelfast scheme in Belfast, those coaches are unable to carry out any coaching.

Ulster GAA explained that they have retained a small amount of coaching staff.

“As all games activity in clubs is currently paused and schools are not open there is a major reduction in the work capacity of coaching staff,” a statement read.

“This has unfortunately resulted in some coaching staff being furloughed, with agreement reached with Croke Park that one GDM should be retained in each of the Six Counties. The position will be reviewed prior to the end of February 2021.”

The Games Development Managers (GDMs) were furloughed during last year’s lockdown, however they did return at the end of last year and for a period at the start of this year.