‘Blatant disregard for us’ – Events industry calls out government over All-Ireland final crowd

Not happy.

The Event Industry Alliance has called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to fully reopen the Live Entertainment and Event industry by 1 September. The group has said that unless the industry is fully reopened by that date, Martin should step down as Taoiseach. In a statement, the group pointed to the All-Ireland Hurling Final held in Croke Park on Sunday which did not require Covid-19 testing, contact tracing or proof of vaccination. Event Industry Alliance, which represents a number of live event and music industry groups, said that Micheál Martin and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney’s attendance at Croke Park yesterday is a “blatant disregard” for the live events sector. "35,000 Live Entertainment and Event workers after nearly 18 months remain banned from returning to work," the statement reads, "despite their proposals to Government that ‘Only Fully Vaccinated’ patrons be allowed attend full capacity shows from 1 September 2021, along with enhanced safety measures including but not limited to HSE contact tracing." The statement also said the Taoiseach, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and Minister Stephen Donnelly were not in attendance at last Wednesday's live events sector virtual meeting. “This is a shameful indictment of Government, which demonstrates a clear and blatant disregard for the Live Entertainment and Event sector, and shows complete contempt for every Irish citizen,” stated Justin Green, Event Industry Alliance member and event promoter. A further meeting has been arranged for Wednesday, 25 August 2021 and the group has called upon the trio to attend. Speaking on Sunday, Simon Coveney said there was a big difference between the All-Ireland Final and other entertainment events. “There’s a big difference, it’s outside, it’s structured, it’s in a very large stadium. People will be apart in terms of social distancing and wearing masks,” he told RTÉ Radio One. “We have worked with sporting organisations to put a protocol in place to allow big events like this to happen, but happen in a way that’s controlled and managed and that’s what will happen in Croke Park today."