ULSTER GAA has confirmed the venue for Antrim’s controversial clash against Armagh – with Corrigan Park snubbed.
The Saffrons had warned that they would boycott the provincial quarter-final fixture if the Belfast venue was not selected.
And all eyes will be on if they follow through after Ulster GAA confirmed that the game would take place at Pairc Esler in Down.
A statement read: “Following a meeting of the Ulster Competitions Control Committee this afternoon, the decision was taken that the forthcoming Antrim v Armagh Ulster Senior Football Championship game will be held at Pairc Esler on Saturday 12th April, throw-in 7pm.
“In reaching this decision, the committee sympathised with Antrim GAA’s situation, which re-iterates the need for Casement Park to be redeveloped as a matter of urgency.
“The complete 2025 Ulster Senior Football Championship programme, including throw-in times and television schedules, will be finalised in the near future.”
The decision drew ire from some fans, with one saying: “Hopefully antrim refuse, corrigan or nowhere”
A second posted: “Disgraceful. “Sympathised”. Go on put more money in the coffers to build casement then instead of begging.”
A third commented: “I’m from Armagh but this is a disgrace…Antrim are the home team and that should be respected”
A fourth posted: “Disgraceful decision – you should be backing Antrim Gaels, not throwing them under the bus for the gate revenue”
In the wake of Antrim threatening to boycott the game, Ulster GAA insisted that the ground doesn’t meet required health and safety standards, nor capacity guidelines.
However, captain McAleese repeated the call for the game to be played at Corrigan.
He was speaking to RTE following their Division 3 football league loss to Mickey Harte’s Offaly.
And he said: “As a playing group and a management group, we made our position clear a couple of weeks ago and we are standing by it.
“Our job is to focus on the football especially after a result like that there. That is what we will be doing this week.
“We have made it clear, that’s our home ground and that is where we will be playing the game.”
If Antrim do not play the game, they run the risk of being kicked out of the championship altogether.
But McAleese added: “We have heard speculation about that there. No confirmation from anyone.
“As I say, we have made our statement and that is what we are standing by.
“Corrigan is our home ground. Some great games there in the Championship in the past with Cavan.
“The hurlers have had some great games in Corrigan, Clare I can remember, so as far as we can see, that is where the game is going.”
