Sportsfile Images of the Year 2020

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25 May 2020; Lu Kellett, Advanced Medical Services, conducts a COVID-19 swab test on Shamrock Rovers player Jack Byrne at their training facility, Roadstone Group Sports Club, in Dublin. Irish football took the first steps on the pathway to a safer return for all football when testing for COVID-19 began on Monday as part of the pilot programme and tournament for the four SSE Airtricity League clubs who will compete in Europe this year as Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians prepare for a return to training. Players and staff from all four clubs were tested as the FAI continues to work on a pathway for a safer return for all Irish football in the coming months, under the supervision of Medical Director Dr Alan Byrne. Dr Byrne, a member of the Government’s Return to Sport expert group, has overseen the pilot programme for the four clubs that will inform all decisions on a pathway for Irish football to return in a safe environment by the end of August. The pilot tournament, featuring the four European qualified SSE Airtricity League teams, is planned for later this summer with the clubs scheduled to resume training on June 8th. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile