Testing times in every sense for Irish footballers

SMILE ON: Fans will get the chance to quiz new Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny and World Cup legend Niall Quinn in an online show hosted by Down Syndrome Ireland and the FAI from 1.30pm this afternoon. Ireland fan Sarah Carroll is pictured with her parents Margaret and Micheál, near their home in Portobello, Dublin, ahead of the Facebook event. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Amid all the discussion about how and when the League of Ireland might resume, there is a fundamental question which arises irrespective of whether games will be able to take place in summer or autumn, behind closed doors or with limited spectator access.

And it is this: How can any contact sport be played at all as long as social distancing regulations are still required?