Latest news with #SouthAntrimGAA
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Antrim Gaels urge Secretary of State to honour promises around Casement Park
Plans for a 34,000-capacity venue face a major funding gap of around £150 million. Stormont has committed £62.5 million to Casement, while the Irish Government has offered roughly £42 million and the GAA has pledged to contribute at least £15 million. The derelict grounds of the Casement Park stadium (David Young/PA) There has been speculation the UK government will announce next week whether it will plug the remaining funding gap for the estimated £270 million cost. Ahead of that, representatives of South Antrim GAA, including young people from clubs across the county, travelled to the Northern Ireland Office base at Erskine House in Belfast city centre to hand a letter in to Mr Benn. The letter notes that next week will mark the 12th anniversary of the last GAA game to be played at Casement Park. They said while investment in the Windsor Park football stadium and rugby ground at Ravenhill promised in 2011 were delivered, Casement is still waiting. The letter also refers to further disappointment last year when hopes of rebuilding Casement as a venue for the 2028 Euros were dashed. It reminded Mr Benn of an assurance by former secretary of state Chris Heaton-Harris that funding would be found to rebuild Casement. Representatives of South Antrim GAA, including young people from clubs across the county, hand in a letter for Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn at Erskine House in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) 'That promise was as empty as the stands at Casement Park today, and the Euros will now be played elsewhere,' they said. 'The GAA, the Irish Government and the Executive have each made formal commitments to this project, all of which remain firmly in place. 'We are now calling on you as Secretary of State, to honour the commitment given to our members that Casement Park will be built, and that the money will be found.' The letter continued: 'Casement Park will leave a legacy that transforms Gaelic Games in Antrim and Ulster, creating unparalleled sporting and economic opportunities, and enhancing community relations setting the tone for reconciliation that will be remembered for generations to come. 'It's time to stop the dithering and delay. It's time to live up to all the promises and commitments. It's time to finally build Casement.'
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rally held over failure to redevelop Casement Park
Several thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, have gathered in west Belfast to protest about the failure to redevelop Casement Park stadium. The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) ground has been lying derelict for more than a decade. The protest was organised by South Antrim GAA, ahead of the Ulster championship match between Antrim and Armagh at nearby Corrigan Park. Organisers of the march and rally said it was to put pressure on the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to do more to ensure the stadium is rebuilt. Protest signs included the slogans "Casement's calling, Gordon's stalling" and "Hilary Benn tell us when". It is estimated that it would cost at least £260m to build a new stadium, but only around £120m is currently available. Lyons has promised £62.5m from the Stormont executive, the GAA say it will pay £15m while the Irish government has pledged around £43m. Casement Park, with a 34,500 capacity, had been earmarked to host football games at the Euro 2028 football tournament but, with the project on hold, the plan has been shelved. Lyons has defended his handling of the planned Casement redevelopment and insisted the hold-up is not his fault. Benn has also defended his actions, saying the British government cannot meet the full funding shortfall but will consider a contribution. Speakers due to address the rally include Oisín McConville, a former All Ireland football championship winner with Armagh in 2002. Kevin Gamble, chairperson of South Antrim GAA, said: "Delaying tactics need to stop. "This generation of Gaels and the generations to follow deserve better." Before the rally, protestors gathered at the O'Donovan Rossa GAA club before a planned mile-long walk to Casement Park. What is happening with Casement Park and Euro 2028? Casement Park would be 'dealt with by now' if it was football Euro 2028: Time ticking for Belfast to host What is happening with Casement Park and Euro 2028?
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rally held over failure to redevelop Casement Park
Several thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, have gathered in west Belfast to protest about the failure to redevelop Casement Park stadium. The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) ground has been lying derelict for more than a decade. The protest was organised by South Antrim GAA, ahead of the Ulster championship match between Antrim and Armagh at nearby Corrigan Park. Organisers of the march and rally said it was to put pressure on the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to do more to ensure the stadium is rebuilt. Protest signs included the slogans "Casement's calling, Gordon's stalling" and "Hilary Benn tell us when". It is estimated that it would cost at least £260m to build a new stadium, but only around £120m is currently available. Lyons has promised £62.5m from the Stormont executive, the GAA say it will pay £15m while the Irish government has pledged around £43m. Casement Park, with a 34,500 capacity, had been earmarked to host football games at the Euro 2028 football tournament but, with the project on hold, the plan has been shelved. Lyons has defended his handling of the planned Casement redevelopment and insisted the hold-up is not his fault. Benn has also defended his actions, saying the British government cannot meet the full funding shortfall but will consider a contribution. Speakers due to address the rally include Oisín McConville, a former All Ireland football championship winner with Armagh in 2002. Kevin Gamble, chairperson of South Antrim GAA, said: "Delaying tactics need to stop. "This generation of Gaels and the generations to follow deserve better." Before the rally, protestors gathered at the O'Donovan Rossa GAA club before a planned mile-long walk to Casement Park. What is happening with Casement Park and Euro 2028? Casement Park would be 'dealt with by now' if it was football Euro 2028: Time ticking for Belfast to host What is happening with Casement Park and Euro 2028?
BBC News
12-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Casement Park: Thousands gather for rally on lack of progress
Several thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, have gathered in west Belfast to protest about the failure to redevelop Casement Park GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) ground has been lying derelict for more than a protest was organised by South Antrim GAA, ahead of the Ulster championship match between Antrim and Armagh at nearby Corrigan of the march and rally said it was to put pressure on the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to do more to ensure the stadium is rebuilt. Protest signs included the slogans "Casement's calling, Gordon's stalling" and "Hilary Benn tell us when".It is estimated that it would cost at least £260m to build a new stadium, but only around £120m is currently has promised £62.5m from the Stormont executive, the GAA say it will pay £15m while the Irish government has pledged around £ Park, with a 34,500 capacity, had been earmarked to host football games at the Euro 2028 football tournament but, with the project on hold, the plan has been shelved. Lyons has defended his handling of the planned Casement redevelopment and insisted the hold-up is not his has also defended his actions, saying the British government cannot meet the full funding shortfall but will consider a contribution. Speakers due to address the rally include Oisín McConville, a former All Ireland football championship winner with Armagh in Gamble, chairperson of South Antrim GAA, said: "Delaying tactics need to stop."This generation of Gaels and the generations to follow deserve better."Before the rally, protestors gathered at the O'Donovan Rossa GAA club before a planned mile-long walk to Casement Park.
