The issue of where the Ulster first-round match between Antrim and All-Ireland champions Armagh will take place became embroiled in further controversy on Thursday night when the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) released a statement backing Antrim’s right to play the fixture at their home venue of Corrigan Park.
Earlier, in the afternoon, the Ulster Council had taken the decision to stage the match at Páirc Esler in Newry on Saturday April 12th with a 7pm throw-in, adding: “The complete 2025 Ulster senior football championship programme, including throw-in times and television schedules, will be finalised in the near future.”
Antrim had been drawn at home but their Corrigan Park venue was deemed too small by the council last month.
“The minimum number of tickets required to accommodate this fixture (including, players charter, match officials, multi-sponsors, media, season tickets etc) will exceed the venue capacity,” the Ulster Council said in a statement at the time but deferred making an immediate decision on the fixture.
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There followed protests in Antrim among players and management with suggestions that they would refuse to play the match anywhere except their home ground. Despite discussions, the final decision was taken on Thursday afternoon by the province’s Competitions Control Committee.
“In reaching this decision,” according to a statement issued, “the committee sympathised with Antrim GAA’s situation, which re-iterates the need for Casement Park to be redeveloped as a matter of urgency.
Later however the GPA in response, said that it “stands fully behind the Antrim senior football squad’s position that their Ulster championship opening round fixture against Armagh must be played at their designated home ground.
“The GPA has spoken to representatives of both the Antrim and Armagh squads this evening and has made this position clear.
“We acknowledge Corrigan Park will not accommodate all Antrim and Armagh supporters but the integrity of the competition and the fundamental principle of home advantage take precedence.
“Financial and logistical concerns should not be prioritised over sporting fairness. We urge Ulster GAA to immediately reconsider their decision.”
Included in the GPA release was a statement from the Antrim footballers.
“We have worked too hard to earn this game at Corrigan Park and that is where we will be. We will not concede our home advantage as it is our right as players and as a county. Corrigan Park is our home and we expect to play there as originally scheduled.”
