Lay-offs and 'scaling back professional game' among warnings from cash-strapped sporting bodies

GAA president John Horan, left, and drector General Tom Ryan arriving at Dáil Éireann. Mr Horan said a small return of match attendance wasn't going to solve the financial issues and so government funding was essential.Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The FAI, IRFU and GAA are to bring proposals on allowing fans back into grounds in larger numbers amid spiralling financial losses and fears over the continued existence of some clubs and competitions.

With an increased focus on what the return of spectators would look like, all three organisations are working on a roadmap they will present to Government. The Irish Rugby Football Union admitted that a two-metre social distancing element would make little or no difference to the spiralling financial cost of the Covid-19 crisis, whereas a one-metre distancing requirement would help.