CORONAVIRUS: Derry GAA praises community effort and urges support for local media

The Derry statement said it was vital the GAA as an association continued to play its role in helping those in need of assistance and to get across the 'stay home, stay safe' message.

"The message to our community now is to stay at home and stay safe," read the statement, "The GAA is doing vital work to ensure this message is heard and also to provide assistance to those who need it as quickly and effectively as it can.

"The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic has pushed our games, woven into the fabric of our springs and summers, to the background for now, but there are still plenty of ways for us to stimulate our minds as we navigate these uncertain times.

"The GAA community has stepped to the forefront in recent weeks; it has exploded with creative ways of promoting our games during this temporary pause."

The statement also highlighted the plight of local media after a week which has seen a number of titles across the country forced into temporary closure and others cut their budgets and lay off freelance workers.

"Our local newspapers and digital publications continue to provide quality content to help keep us safe, keep us informed and keep us entertained," added the statement.

"The people who promote the GAA provide an invaluable service. They capture moments which last long after the final whistle blows. If we want to support them into the future we must support these outlets now. We urge GAA followers to support our local media outlets"