+34
Antrim GAA manager Paddy McBride insists his team will not play their Ulster Championship quarter-final against Armagh unless it takes place at Corrigan Park. The issue stems from the GAA's obligation to accommodate season ticket holders, which may necessitate a venue change due to Corrigan Park's limited capacity.
Antrim's Paddy McBride is adamant they 'will not play' their Ulster Championship quarter-final against Armagh unless they receive home advantage at Corrigan Park. The issue arose after Antrim were initially drawn to play the All-Ireland champions at home back in early October.
The GAA's commitment to accommodating season ticket holders threatens to relocate the game due to Corrigan Park's limited capacity, which is not sufficient to host Armagh's extensive ticket holding fans, in addition to local support. "We're being told as usual that we're going somewhere else," said McBride to BBC Sport NI, noting the potential venue changes to Celtic Park or Newry as Casement Park remains out of use. McBride pointed out that Corrigan Park, with a 3,700 seating capacity, successfully held an Ulster Championship match in 2022, despite initial objections from Cavan before hosting the fixture. Prior to that, the last championship game at the ground took place in 2013. Talking about the team's decision, he continued, "It sounds so simple - you have a home match you play at home. We spoke as players already," signifying the unity within the squad on the matter, reports Belfast Live. "We said we sacrifice too much to lie down. If it's not going to be where it's meant to be, then we'll not play it."He finalised the sentiment by saying, "It's one we all agreed with. It wasn't deliberated on, it wasn't debated, we just said this is what we're standing for and we're sticking with it." Antrim gaffer Andy McEntee stands firmly behind his players and has dismissed the controversy about season ticket holder numbers. "It's irrelevant how many season tickets were sold to the opposition," McEntee asserted. "That's not our issue." "The draw was made on the 12 October. All season tickets weren't sold before the 12 October. So everybody knew that we had home advantage. I don't see a problem." His team faces an uphill battle as they square off against a formidable Orchard County side regardless of the venue. Following their second All-Ireland glory this year, Armagh achieved promotion back to Division One, having also dominated their recent Championship encounters with Antrim quite handily. In a spectacular showdown in 2021, Armagh steamrolled to a commanding 4-15 to 0-14 victory against Antrim, while last year saw Antrim trail by nine points in another Ulster SFC clash at the Box-It Athletic Grounds.
GAA Ulster Championship Antrim Armagh Corrigan Park
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Armagh GAA's Aidan Forker's wife Eimear is his 'biggest supporter'Aidan Forker has been a part of the Armagh team for over ten years, initially playing as a defender for the team and now serving as their captain.
Read more »
GAA Division Three Preview: Antrim, Clare, Fermanagh, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Offaly, Sligo and MoreThis article previews the upcoming GAA Division Three league season, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team. It highlights key players, managerial changes, and past performances, predicting which teams are likely to succeed and which might struggle.
Read more »
GAA weekend preview: Galway and Armagh renew acquaintances as National Football League kicks offCroke Park hosts All-Ireland Club Junior and Intermediate Football finals
Read more »
Galway vs. Armagh: A Battle of Titans in the GAAGalway and Armagh clash in a highly anticipated Division 1 league opener, with both teams eager to prove their mettle. Galway seeks revenge for last year's All-Ireland final defeat, while Armagh aims to maintain its winning momentum after claiming the All-Ireland title.
Read more »
Wins for Louth, Roscommon, Antrim and Offaly on busy day of GAA actionThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Armagh vs Tyrone: A Crucial Showdown in Ulster GAAArmagh and Tyrone renew their fierce rivalry at the Athletic Grounds, with both teams seeking a crucial victory. Armagh faces challenges due to injuries and suspensions, while Tyrone aims to maintain its momentum after a strong start to the season.
Read more »