GERRY McCann, the immediate past Chairman of St John's GAC, Belfast says the waiting game must continue before the Belfast club contemplates a definite date for a glamour opening of the spanking new covered Stand at Corrigan Park.
"Lots of things need to click into place before we can even think of holding the official opening.
''Like every other GAA club we are in limbo at present, but must remain optimistic that once there is a sign of clearance from the Covid pandemic we will definitely stage a special opening day," says McCann.
The Whiterock Road club continues to stoically stick to the shut-down rules.
There is no outlet to raise finances, as the social club remains closed.
Like every GAA club in the country there are no team training programmes, no matches for footballers, camogie players and hurlers.
Former Antrim football ace McCann, who spent six years as Club Chairman - the Committee currently headed by Collie Donnelly - disclosed the ground facilities are not fully complete and fit for purpose, because part of the surrounding wall recently collapsed.
"I don't know the reason why a section of the back wall, opposite the back wall of St Thomas's School, fell down.
''Workers are just back in to sort out the problem, which is a health and safety issue, and grant-aided," added McCann.
"We also cannot complete the tarmacking of the car park area until the heavy lorries stop moving in and out of the ground to repair the wall.
''The new Stand is up and ready, with all seating installed.
''It is looking great, and once the wall issue is solved we will continue to be patient and await a time when we can hold a glamour game to mark a special official opening day.
."Obviously we would be very keen to have a top inter-county match as the top attraction on that day.
''The Antrim hurlers would be in with a big shout, I feel.
''The county's senior hurlers have done very well in recent times, and there should be some very attractive National Hurling League home games on the Division One agenda that would be perfect for our proposed big day at Corrigan.
''Obviously everything is on the long finger at present.
''We must sit tight in the meantime, and await the day our games are allowed to return, and supporters permitted back into GAA grounds."
The Johnnies naturally seek a plum attraction, an inter-county fixture that would do justice to the occasion, and bridge a 47-year gap since the last major launching, when a new 'Prunty' pitch was unwrapped in 1974.
McCann added: "I remember that summer's day in 1974, when we had an official opening of our new pitch. For the big day we enjoyed our Under-21 county football team meeting and beating Cork in an All-Ireland semi-final.
''The Antrim side included some of our own local footballers, like Liam Jennings, Kevin Gough, Pat Armstrong. That was a terrific occasion at Corrigan.
''Maybe we will be in the clear by Easter, spectators permitted to attend matches, and then set a date for the official opening of our new Stand."
