National Forum

Casement Park

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Replying To Curlew66:  "Think people are in agreement over a few things here. Antrim needs an inter county standard ground. Should the GAA and both governments carry on and deliver a 15,000 - 20,000 venue as in Omagh, Newry, Ballybofey etc
A city the size of Belfast should have a 40,000 + stadium for major events. Does ownership matter that much if it's available to all communities ? Going forward I think developers will look towards a multi purpose stadium, not just a venue for the Ulster final.
The mid Ulster option makes sense for an Ulster final day only , there are many commercial benefits in being located close to a big city allowing them to host a much wider range of events. It might be wasteful to duplicate a resource already available a little South of it in Clones.
For all its limitations ( accessibility, small town, poor toilets, too far South to be central of province) Clones has served us well over many decades. One advantage it has over Casement is that it's built and open for business. It has a good playing surface , friendly atmosphere with a stadium in need of an upgrade and some TLC. Some folk love it , I know people from different counties who look forward to the annual pilgrimage to Clones and them having no dog in the race."
I'd definitely vote for that Curlew, build the new Ulster final Stadium in Ballybofey, a massive upgrade of McCumhaill Park, even throw a few euros to Finn Harps to keep the tan ball crowd on side.
While they are at it build the bypass around the twin towns, we've only been waiting 30 years for that. Budget of 250 million, bargain.
Be nice for us to have all the big concerts and games on our door step, why should the Belfast crowd and the Dubs have everything so handy?
Build a railway line then from Belfast and Dublin to Stranorlar again, that would keep the green yokes happy too, win win,

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3029 - 17/09/2024 19:12:21    2570458

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Replying To SaffronDon:  "Considering I know a lot of the residents around the Casement area. Played with and against a lot of them on field, shared the company of many others and I know exactly the local vibe a lot more than you and your fake media, Im in a far better position to speak for the locals than you will ever be. Everyone in the area was buzzing for the new stadium apart from a few hand out merchants who the unionist's quickly 'defended' due to a common anti GAA goal in mind. If you have any stats to counter this, let's hear them.

Saying that the area couldn't manage a 30,000 plus capacity when those numbers of people travel through the area on a daily basis further highlights your clueless take on the area. It's day and daily routine in Belfast to have thousands travelling through it, just like Dublin. That's what the multiple roads exist for. It's not rocket science. This stadium was meant to be for all of Ulster in the most accessible area of the north. If you think this is meant to be Clones......I give up."
The most accessible area of the north? your off your head man. It's a maze of busy roads and narrow streets.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3029 - 17/09/2024 19:16:09    2570460

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Replying To SaffronDon:  "Hindsight is wonderful and all but it doesn't take away from the political promise that was put in place and the proof that the other two stadiums were already being built as the doors to Casement were closing. What has happened since then has been a sectarian disgrace. Just a shame so many 'GAA folk' are in sync with these under hand tactics while they also smugly talk about paying British tax like anyone up here has much choice."
The Labour Party who the entire Irish establishment from Harris to Mary Lou were fawning over pulled the plug. Labour have done several things already to remind SF who's the boss. Something that people claiming to be republicans ought to have known already.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 3118 - 17/09/2024 19:30:57    2570465

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "I'd definitely vote for that Curlew, build the new Ulster final Stadium in Ballybofey, a massive upgrade of McCumhaill Park, even throw a few euros to Finn Harps to keep the tan ball crowd on side.
While they are at it build the bypass around the twin towns, we've only been waiting 30 years for that. Budget of 250 million, bargain.
Be nice for us to have all the big concerts and games on our door step, why should the Belfast crowd and the Dubs have everything so handy?
Build a railway line then from Belfast and Dublin to Stranorlar again, that would keep the green yokes happy too, win win,"
Ha , ha Tirconaill Abú … what I meant was that the GAA along with both Govts could still proceed and build a 15,000 - 20,000 venue for Antrim GAA similar to what they have in Omagh, Newry and Ballybofey. I was trying to salvage something from the ashes of this mess without getting involved in the sideshow between the Farney and the Saffron as to whether Casement or Clones is the best venue to host an Ulster final.
30 years is a very long time waiting on a bypass but I gather you couldn't agree on a route when funding was available during the Celtic Tiger. So is it North by Drumboe or South of Navenny for you ?

Curlew66 (Roscommon) - Posts: 577 - 17/09/2024 22:15:29    2570483

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Replying To ORIELMAN85:  "My friend we are not dealing with the population of the Nirth of Ireland. We are talking about Ulster, and in that context only a ver small percentage of the GAA population live in Belfast."
If the GAA wants to have the largest stadium in Belfast paid for by someone else, it will have to be a multipurpose stadium. The GAA can't afford to build it themselves, that's well known at this stage. A 15 million contribution would barely build a 5k seater stand these days. Belfast deserves a stadium fit for purpose (I.e. that can hold Soccer / Rugby internationals / Ulster finals / Concerts ) and for all the community, not another 15k to 20k seater that might be filled once or twice a year by Antrim GAA.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1023 - 17/09/2024 22:26:45    2570484

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "The most accessible area of the north? your off your head man. It's a maze of busy roads and narrow streets."
Perhaps you can enlighten us all then. Where is more accessible than a major city?

SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2501 - 17/09/2024 23:31:56    2570489

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Replying To Curlew66:  "Ha , ha Tirconaill Abú … what I meant was that the GAA along with both Govts could still proceed and build a 15,000 - 20,000 venue for Antrim GAA similar to what they have in Omagh, Newry and Ballybofey. I was trying to salvage something from the ashes of this mess without getting involved in the sideshow between the Farney and the Saffron as to whether Casement or Clones is the best venue to host an Ulster final.
30 years is a very long time waiting on a bypass but I gather you couldn't agree on a route when funding was available during the Celtic Tiger. So is it North by Drumboe or South of Navenny for you ?"
Definitely a north side by pass for me, it makes perfect sense, it's taking them almost a year it seems and they still don't seem half finished adding an extra lane to McGrorys brae which should have had a climbing lane from day one, how stupid are these people who design these things?
See the mess they have made adding lights at the Polestar, it's a complete joke.
I can only imagine how long they'd be trying to build a by pass even when they eventually start.
Back on topic hopefully Antrim GAA get a new smaller stadium built but I also hope they keep the Ulster final in Clones for as long as we have an Ulster final.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3029 - 18/09/2024 12:09:41    2570547

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They built a 34,000 all seater modular stadium in NY for the cricket at a cost of 30 million. This had all the bells and whistles of media rooms, spectator concourses etc etc. Why some innovative thinking like this can't be applied to here I don't know why. Most GAA grounds have one half new seated stand that doesn't protect you from the rain, and just concrete steps around the rest of it.

eslinchickenmaryland (Leitrim) - Posts: 274 - 18/09/2024 12:22:05    2570553

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Replying To eslinchickenmaryland:  "They built a 34,000 all seater modular stadium in NY for the cricket at a cost of 30 million. This had all the bells and whistles of media rooms, spectator concourses etc etc. Why some innovative thinking like this can't be applied to here I don't know why. Most GAA grounds have one half new seated stand that doesn't protect you from the rain, and just concrete steps around the rest of it."
Unfortunately tbis is for a UEFA soccer tournament, UEFA has very strict seating criteria, no terracing etc segration etc so what you suggest is OK for GAA etc but not soccer.

arock (Dublin) - Posts: 4940 - 18/09/2024 13:01:26    2570561

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Replying To eslinchickenmaryland:  "They built a 34,000 all seater modular stadium in NY for the cricket at a cost of 30 million. This had all the bells and whistles of media rooms, spectator concourses etc etc. Why some innovative thinking like this can't be applied to here I don't know why. Most GAA grounds have one half new seated stand that doesn't protect you from the rain, and just concrete steps around the rest of it."
That would require the use of common sense… unfortunately such a thing is in very short supply in this country….

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3025 - 18/09/2024 13:04:48    2570564

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Replying To arock:  "Unfortunately tbis is for a UEFA soccer tournament, UEFA has very strict seating criteria, no terracing etc segration etc so what you suggest is OK for GAA etc but not soccer."
I'm talking about a 34,000 all seater modular stadium...built for 30 million dollars

PúC hasn't a hope of hosting UEFA games.

eslinchickenmaryland (Leitrim) - Posts: 274 - 18/09/2024 13:57:25    2570574

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Wondering would Pairc Ui Chaoimh need much to upgrade to EUFA standard. Has 21,000 seats and standing room for 24,000. Recall bucket seats were used in the old Landsdowne , using them in Cork if permitted would bring overall capacity to below 40,000 ( next smallest venue is Villa Park at 42,000). Pitch surface would need refinement for soccer. Being a modern built stadium you would expect Health & Safety and broadcasting facilities to be up to standard. They would have three years to get everything in order.

Curlew66 (Roscommon) - Posts: 577 - 18/09/2024 15:17:05    2570594

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Replying To eslinchickenmaryland:  "I'm talking about a 34,000 all seater modular stadium...built for 30 million dollars

PúC hasn't a hope of hosting UEFA games."
Why wouldn't it? Seating can be easily added to any terraced area. The stands and pitch would take minimal effort to bring up to standard. If the likes of Villa Park can meet UEFA standard, PuC wouldn't have an issue.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1023 - 18/09/2024 16:06:27    2570600

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Replying To Square_B:  "Why wouldn't it? Seating can be easily added to any terraced area. The stands and pitch would take minimal effort to bring up to standard. If the likes of Villa Park can meet UEFA standard, PuC wouldn't have an issue."
It didn't meet the standards required for the rugby world cup technical committee back when we were looking to host the world cup. If it wouldn't meet the standard requirement for rugby I doubt it will meet UEFA requirements

eslinchickenmaryland (Leitrim) - Posts: 274 - 18/09/2024 16:29:15    2570607

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Correct, didn't meet standard for RWC and won't for EUFA either. This is different in that the tournament has already been granted to IRL & GB and there is time to upgrade. Most likely the Casement matches will just be absorbed by other host venues but it would be good to keep two venues on the island as originally planned.

Curlew66 (Roscommon) - Posts: 577 - 18/09/2024 17:01:11    2570610

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Replying To eslinchickenmaryland:  "It didn't meet the standards required for the rugby world cup technical committee back when we were looking to host the world cup. If it wouldn't meet the standard requirement for rugby I doubt it will meet UEFA requirements"
The whole point it that it would take minimal effort to bring it up to standard.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 1023 - 18/09/2024 17:09:15    2570611

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Replying To Curlew66:  "Correct, didn't meet standard for RWC and won't for EUFA either. This is different in that the tournament has already been granted to IRL & GB and there is time to upgrade. Most likely the Casement matches will just be absorbed by other host venues but it would be good to keep two venues on the island as originally planned."
Seems Uefa default position is they go to English venues.

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 1950 - 18/09/2024 17:46:11    2570617

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As for PuC hosting the euros, I don't think there is a hope, first the terraces will need to be converted into seats, which isn't difficult but other works will have to be done as well, I might be wrong but I think UEFA wants all stadiums to be 100% roofed which PuC isn't and I don't see any support from the Irish people to pump more money into the stadium to get it up to UEFA standards

DuhallowRed (Cork) - Posts: 301 - 18/09/2024 20:39:05    2570628

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Replying To DuhallowRed:  "As for PuC hosting the euros, I don't think there is a hope, first the terraces will need to be converted into seats, which isn't difficult but other works will have to be done as well, I might be wrong but I think UEFA wants all stadiums to be 100% roofed which PuC isn't and I don't see any support from the Irish people to pump more money into the stadium to get it up to UEFA standards"
There aren't enough corporate boxes/suites probably, not enough commentary/media spaces in the stand I'd imagine in PuC

Villa Park was mentioned, it has a capacity of 43,000 all seater purpose built for soccer, has many corporate boxes/suites and has hosted huge European and English competition games in the past. It was the go to place for FA Cup semi finals at one stage.

If any ground in Ireland had potential to be brought up to the level I'd think it would be Thomond Park but you'd need seated stands at either end, where there may not be enough space to build them. Others who know it better can answer that one. But it would still be pretty small capacity I'd say.

eslinchickenmaryland (Leitrim) - Posts: 274 - 19/09/2024 11:42:40    2570717

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Replying To eslinchickenmaryland:  "There aren't enough corporate boxes/suites probably, not enough commentary/media spaces in the stand I'd imagine in PuC

Villa Park was mentioned, it has a capacity of 43,000 all seater purpose built for soccer, has many corporate boxes/suites and has hosted huge European and English competition games in the past. It was the go to place for FA Cup semi finals at one stage.

If any ground in Ireland had potential to be brought up to the level I'd think it would be Thomond Park but you'd need seated stands at either end, where there may not be enough space to build them. Others who know it better can answer that one. But it would still be pretty small capacity I'd say."
An all seated Thomond Park would fall well short of the 30k capacity required.

That bird has now flown.
Time to use the available monies (+ any more that can be got) to get a pitch, stand, some terracing provided and get Casement back in Gaelic Games action.

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 1950 - 19/09/2024 12:07:34    2570724

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