GAA Labels Casement Park Delay as a ‘Critical Lost Opportunity’
The GAA has expressed deep regret following confirmation that Belfast will not be hosting any matches for Euro 2028 due to the UK government’s decision to halt funding for the redevelopment of Casement Park. Northern Ireland confirmed the decision.
Secretary Hilary Benn and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy in a letter to Communities Minister Gordon Lyons. They cited the significant risk that the stadium would not be completed in time for the tournament. The redevelopment costs had risen dramatically, from £180m (€213m) to over £400m (€473m), leaving the project without sufficient financial backing.
Casement Park had been expected to host five matches during Euro 2028, jointly organised by the UK and Ireland. Despite pledges from the Irish Government and the GAA to contribute to the redevelopment, delays and escalating costs created an untenable funding gap.
The GAA, which had counted on support from the Northern Ireland Executive and the British government, expressed its disappointment in a statement, calling the missed opportunity one the entire society would come to regret.
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GAA officials also revealed that commitments were previously made by successive British government officials, promising that Casement Park would be built in time for the tournament.
However, with the government now ruling out further financial support, the chances of Belfast playing a role in Euro 2028 appear all but over. The GAA has sought an urgent meeting with Hilary Benn to discuss the next steps and remains hopeful that the long-awaited redevelopment will still happen.
David Courell, Interim CEO of the FAI, also voiced his disappointment at the decision, acknowledging that Northern Ireland’s involvement would have been a significant contribution to the tournament. While this hope has now been dashed, Courell reassured that the FAI remains committed to ensuring Northern Ireland’s participation in the tournament’s planning and execution.
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Meanwhile, the SDLP’s Justin McNulty, a former All-Ireland winner with Armagh, was scathing in his criticism of the UK government. McNulty said the slow pace and lack of ambition shown in addressing the Casement Park redevelopment had led to this outcome, calling it a failure that would deprive the North of the benefits associated with hosting an event of such magnitude.
He insisted that the GAA and local authorities had done everything in their power to push the project forward, with the blame lying solely with the British government. McNulty emphasised that Casement Park is more than just a stadium – it’s the heart of the GAA in Ulster, and its prolonged inactivity has been deeply frustrating for the community.
The delays in the project date back to 2011, when funding was initially agreed upon. However, multiple setbacks have stalled the process, with local activists and sports enthusiasts calling for urgent action to revive the redevelopment.
McNulty called for construction to begin as soon as possible, allowing the stadium to host Ulster finals, community events, and a wide range of activities that would breathe new life into the region.
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First Minister Michelle O’Neill echoed these sentiments, labelling the UK government’s decision as deeply disappointing and a missed opportunity for both sport and the economy. O’Neill remains committed to seeing Casement Park rebuilt, despite the setbacks, stressing that the Executive would continue to prioritise the project.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons highlighted that the UK government viewed the redevelopment as not offering value for money. In light of this, Lyons stated that he would engage with partners to explore how Northern Ireland could still benefit from hosting Euro 2028, even without Casement Park.
Hilary Benn and Lisa Nandy, in their letter, expressed a willingness to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to find a way forward for Casement Park. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the tournament benefits all four nations of the UK and leaves a positive legacy for football across the region.
Further discussions with the GAA and other partners are expected to take place in the coming weeks as the future of the long-delayed Casement Park renovation continues to be a topic of debate.
