Football

Antrim clubs set to host League games

WITh Casement Park closed for r e d e v e l o p m e n t , Antrim clubs are to be given the chance to host National League games next year.

This week was the deadline for clubs to submit their applications.

Antrim do not have a designated second county ground, and with Casement set to be out of commission until 2016, clubs in the county will be vying to host Antrim's home games in the National hurling and Football Leagues from next year.

While the logistics of the plans have yet to be confirmed, Antrim PRO Brendan Mulgrew is confident that suitable venues can be found.

"What we have done, any clubs which are interested in hosting a League game next year have been asked to present their case to the county board regarding accommodating spectators, accommodating press, health and safety issues, all of that," said Mulgrew.

"A number of clubs successfully hosted high profile club championship games this year. We are confident that our clubs will be able to host games next year and that process is underway.

The National Hurling League fixtures have yet to be confirmed as no agreement has been finalised regarding the 2014 NHL. However, Kevin Ryan's men will find themselves in the second tier - whatever form that takes.

New Antrim football manager Liam Bradley will once again try to navigate his charges from Division Four in his first season back in charge of the Saffrons.

Antrim will have home advantage against Wicklow, Waterford, London and Clare in next year's NFL.

For Mulgrew, bringing games to different venues in 2014 is a chance to increase dwindling attendances at League games.

"I think it is a great opportunity," said the Antrim PRO.

"One issue which I found very frustrating is the numbers that come out to support teams in National League games - I think it is too low.

"I would hope that when we do take our National League games out around the county, it might inspire more people than usual to come and support the county teams."

This year's Antrim senior football final was played in Ahoghill, while the hurling decider was played in Ballycastle and Loughgiel hosted Antrim's Division Two hurling league clash with Limerick in 2011.

All three grounds are set to be considered to host Antrim games next year.

Queen's University's impressive stadium at the Dub is also in the running.

Mulgrew stated that all options will be considered - although no approach has been made to Queens.

The Dub hosts All-Ireland League rugby on Saturdays and any National League game would have to be fixed around games which have already been pencilled in for 2014.

The new 38,000 capacity stadium at Casement Park is expected to cost more than £70m. However, a local residents group has launched a formal objection to the proposed upgrade of the Andersonstown Road venue.

Work on the stadium is due to start early next year with the first games scheduled to take place in the new stadium by 2016.