St. Patrick's Athletic have announced that they have temporarily laid off all club staff because of the coronavirus pandemic.
There is a meeting of the National League Executive Committee today, but the Saints said they reluctantly took steps today believing no football is likely before autumn.
A statement read: "The Board has carefully considered statements made over recent days by Government Ministers and public health officials which make it clear that sporting events involving large crowds, and therefore League of Ireland football as we know it, are most unlikely to re commence until Autumn at the earliest.
"We completely understand and accept the rationale for these statements, given the devastating effects of the Coronavirus and the absence to date of methods to prevent its transmission other than through social distancing.
⬇️ Official @stpatsfc Club Statement below 22.04.2020:
— St Patrick's Athletic FC (@stpatsfc) April 22, 2020
"We accept that the preservation of the lives and health of our community must take precedence over other concerns.
"It is nearly seven weeks since our last game. We have had virtually no income since then and this will remain the case until it is again possible to play in front of large crowds.
"Thanks to the agreement of our players and staff who agreed adjustments to their contracts, we have up to now maintained everyone in employment.
"However, it is impossible for us to continue to do this when it is now uncertain that football, and our budgeted income stream, will resume at any time this year.
"It would be imprudent for us to attempt to do so and would jeopardise the survival of our club. We cannot take that chance."
