Ulster GAA secretary Brian McAvoy has urged club players in the province to avail of the Covid-19 vaccine. 

The Down native made the comments in a statement released today.

He says that young people, in particular, should avail of the opportunity to receive the jab.

In recent weeks, the case of the Ulster senior football champions, Tyrone, has been in the limelight.

Their All-Ireland semi-final with Kerry has been pushed back to August 28th due to a Covid outbreak in their squad.

“Young people have sacrificed much during the pandemic, but now the vaccine offers a route map towards a way of life that only 18 months ago we took for granted," McAvoy stated.

“The return of spectators to sporting events has had huge benefits to society and long may this continue.

"However, we want these games and sporting events to continue and as the inter-county season draws to a conclusion, the club championships will take centre stage in the GAA calendar.

“In recent weeks we have witnessed the postponement of games at numerous levels in the Association as Covid-19 case numbers rise, and it is incumbent on all of us to take whatever measures we can to reduce the risk of further spread of the virus and to protect our families and communities."

Mr McAvoy also added that the serious nature of the Delta variant is also a major concern.

“The contagious ‘Delta’ variant has become the dominant form of coronavirus and more young people have become ill through this strain than had been the case with previous ones.

“Worryingly, the vast majority of people hospitalised in recent weeks have not been vaccinated and this is putting additional pressure on an already over-burdened health service workers.

"The evidence therefore suggests that you are less likely to become seriously ill if you have been vaccinated."