ANTRIM’S Ulster Championship clash with Cavan will go ahead at Corrigan Park, it was confirmed last night.
A proposal from Cavan to move the provincial quarter-final game out of the west Belfast ground was controversially passed last week.
However, at a meeting of Ulster GAA’s Central Competitions Committee last night, dates and times for the Ulster Championship were rubber-stamped – with Antrim-Cavan going ahead at Corrigan Park at 2pm on April 23.
“Following a site visit this week by relevant stakeholders, including statutory authorities, a number of measures which will enhance the health and safety arrangements at Corrigan Park were agreed,” read an Ulster GAA statement.
And Antrim chairman Ciaran McCavana says the county is looking forward to hosting its first Ulster SFC clash since Monaghan visited Casement Park in 2013.
“Antrim GAA have been involved in quiet diplomacy and working away to ensure, as per the original draw, that the senior football Championship match against Cavan will proceed at Corrigan Park,” he said.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ulster Council, Cavan and all other counties who have supported promoting Gaelic games in Ireland’s second city.
“Corrigan Park is a great venue, which supporters and players love. Naomh Eoin are always great hosts and we’re looking forward to bringing all the razzmatazz of Ulster Championship into the heart of Belfast.
“We also look forward to the day - in the not too distant future - when we can return to our home at a redeveloped Casement Park.”
ULSTER SFC SCHEDULE
Preliminary round
Saturday, April 16: Fermanagh v Tyrone (Brewster Park, 6.30pm)
Quarter-finals
Saturday, April 23: Antrim v Cavan (Corrigan Park, 2pm)
Sunday, April 24: Donegal v Armagh (Ballybofey, 2pm)
Saturday, April 30: Monaghan v Down (Clones, 4.30pm)
Sunday, May 1: Derry v Fermanagh/Tyrone (Celtic Park/O’Neill’s Healy Park, 4pm)
Semi-finals
Sunday, May 8: Donegal/Armagh v Antrim/Cavan (TBC, 4pm)
Sunday, May 15: Monaghan/Down v Fermanagh/Tyrone/Derry (TBC, 4pm)
Final
May 29 (TBC, 4pm)
