Echo Sports Year in Review 2020: October

By Hayden Moore

AS THE risk to public health increased with the number of people contracting COVID-19 steadily rising, sports associations, in following government guidlines, quickly moved to cease certain activity.

The GAA and FAI announced the cessation of all club adult and underage games as the Government opted to introduce Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions across the country.

Just as it was about to tip off, the 2020/21 National and Super League basketball season was put on hold following a meeting of the Sport Expert Group, which confirmed that new restrictions would result in the competitions being stopped.

Shamrock Rovers wrapped up their 18th League of Ireland Premier Division title with four games remaining as closest rivals Bohemins imploded on their homestretch to the campaign.

Ireland’s dreams of playing at the 2021 UEFA European Championship came crashing down as Stephen Kenny’s team lost 4-2 on penalties against Slovakia in the qualification play-off semi-finals.

Tallaght’s Anthony Cross captured his third straight Selco.ie Formula Vee Championship title in Mondello Park.

Conn McDunphy produced a superb performance to land the Senior Men’s National Time Trial Championship in a time of 26.29.

Local men Chris Shields, Brian Gartland and David McMillan were part of the Dundalk squad that secured a return to the Europa League group stages and lined out at the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal – where they ultimately lost 3-0.

The effects of COVID-19 continued to be felt with Clondalkin woman Lisa Fallon stepping away from her post as head coach of FA Women’s Championship side London City Lionesses.

In a statement about her decision, Fallon said: “With my family based in Dublin, and the team based in London, the logistics of travelling over to meet the needs of both, whilst in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, are no longer viable.”

The last of the GAA club county championships wrapped up with Thomas Davis capturing the Junior ‘G’ Hurling title and Round Towers standing tall to beat St Anne’s in the Junior Four Camogie showpiece.

Reports began to emerge indicating that Robbie Keane was set to take his first managerial position with LA Galaxy, but no announcements where made by the club.

Irish Rallycross saw one of it’s much loved competitors Noel Greene of Knocklyon and Terenure pass away at the age of 57.

For a full look back at October visit The Echo’s website HERE, where all of editions from 2020 are free to read online until January 31st 2021.