CASEMENT Park social club has said it is willing to re-commence meetings with Antrim GAA after receiving an apology from the county board.
In an open letter to Antrim GAA, published in today's Irish News, the club has described how it hopes the board's apology will act as a stepping stone to a "future of fruitful co-operation" between both sides.
It comes after The Irish News last month revealed that Antrim GAA County Board had written to all west Belfast social club members apologising for its "unnecessary and ill-judged" actions.
County secretary Frankie Quinn penned the letter of apology admitting its dealings with the social club were mishandled.
Relations soured after the county board shut the club ahead of the start of renovation work for a £77 million stadium plan - a confidential settlement was later reached.
At the height of the row, Antrim GAA instructed solicitors to write to members threatening legal action over £37,000 in alleged unpaid bills and members staged a sit-in when the club was served with legal papers demanding they leave.
Casement Social Club went to court and won the right in court to continue trading and last August it was announced temporary facilities would be purpose-built behind Owenvarragh shops on Andersonstown Road.
In the letter, Mr Quinn said the organisation pledged to do "what is necessary to resolve any remaining issues".
"We acknowledge that some of our actions up to this point were not conducive to the establishment and maintenance of a positive relationship, including the decision to issue letters to social club members over outstanding debt," he wrote.
Mr Quinn also outlined a series of undertakings, including paying the £25,000 annual rent for the temporary premises which will be built at a cost to Ulster GAA of more than £500,000.
Members of Casement Park social club executive committee met earlier this month to discuss the content of the Antrim GAA letter.
In its response to the county board, it said it "welcomed the letters contents with the caveat, actions speak louder than words" and acknowledges Antrim GAA had made "an honest and courageous admission".
"Your offer of working with us 'to redress this hurt' is very helpful and we will not be found wanting when it comes to facilitating this positive move to build up trust and enhance good faith," the club states.
The social club also highlights its "significant cash contribution to Antrim GAA - one million plus, and contribution to the fabric of our community".
It states: "You highlighted in your letter that Casement Social Club made a significant financial contribution to the development of Antrim GAA and we might add that many of our families and older members played a significant part in the fund-raising to purchase Casement Park.
"Over the years we did indeed contribute more than £1,000,000 to Antrim GAA and that does not include other financial benefits that Antrim County GAA Board may have derived from the CSC some of which are currently being researched."
The club's letter concludes that "prior to the difficulties", Antrim GAA and the social club had "achieved a lot together and we now look forward to a future of fruitful co-operation that will bring similar success".
