The Government has decided against allowing an increase in crowd sizes at matches. 

Their decision not to press ahead with phase 4 of their roadmap from Monday means that crowds will remain capped at 200 at outdoor events.

Indoor gatherings will remain capped at 50, with the government remaining cautious following an increase in COVID-19 cases.

The GAA had been lobbying hard for an increase from 200 to 500 to be permitted at club games.

Last month, GAA president John Horan made a direct plea to the Taoiseach Micheal Martin to allow for the increase as part of phase 4.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommended against increasing crowd sizes from 200 to 500 on Monday.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn added that health officials do not want to take any chances.

"But it is really important that we protect the progress that we have achieved to date," Glynn added, "And that we do not now take any unnecessary risks that could result in a possible move back to earlier phases.

The Taoiseach told a press conference, "We will review the evidence again in three weeks' time."

The news follows confirmation from the GAA that season tickets for 2020 will be refunded.

They emailed season ticket-holders to say, "We have delayed taking this step until now as we hoped that Government guidelines would be eased to the point where we could accommodate all Season Ticket holders to attend their chosen games.

"This is becoming increasingly uncertain and has led us to make this unwelcome decision."