Casement Park in line for major overhaul - 40,000 all seater Stadium.

[trailer]

Why are people so animated about the cost? Genuine question. Do you believe that by not building it the money will somehow be spent on some other part of government that will deliver some top class service or something? What is it about the cost specifically that people care about? 

[johnnycool]

As much as I want a top of the range stadia, the cost will be hard to justify. No lessons learned from the building of Cork stadium, Where the concerts,Munster final etc which were supposed to be played there.

Clare would have rather played Limerick in Limerick than having to drive passed it to go to Cork last year...

I think there's still more afoot on this one yet, there's no way Varadkar gave those financial commitments to Casement and indeed the A5 if he hadn't already had discussions with the UK Gov on meeting their side of the deal to ensure both went ahead unless he's calling their bluff, but I think we'd have heard more from CHH and Co if that was the case.

Whether you can trust this current crowd is up for debate as they've only a few months left in the job at best.

[Pub Bore]

To assuage Unionist concerns, should there be a mention of the two Corporals?

Were they actually killed in Casement? I know they were dragged in but I assumed they were killed on the waste ground at the front of the PD, not sure tbh

You're right MR2.  Bit of a myth that they were killed in Casement.  They were taken to Casement after "capture" at the funeral.  They were stripped and searched there but were taken to that wee lane opposite the Aggies club behind the PD where they were shot. The famous photo of Fr Reid giving the last rites was taken there, not in Casement.

[Dreadnought]

It's the spoofing that annoys me. A bunch of amateurs and their only hope now is that the UK Government throw the money at it to deliver the Euros, whatever it takes. That may save their skin in the end, but never forget it has been a complete fiasco.

And every chance it will be an underused white elephant. The euros will be gone in a blink, and then what?  Potentially one or two capacity games per year, and as far as concerts, there are plenty of established venues already so there'll be plenty of competition for the big artists to pick from - no guarantee at all of success there either. 

And where will an Antrim U16 final be played?  Will they really go to the cost of opening a 34k seat stadium for a club underage final?

Like who cares? The Euros will pay for it itself. Even if it will be a white elephant (which i don;t think it will), we often see tournaments build stadia and leave them in place for use. Why is this seen as a bad thing? It'll be paid for and got the money back in tax, and then will be used for otehr events

And yes? Hardly would think they'll open up every stand and have 100s of stewards. But absolutely. Isn't this the point, that finals even underage ones are played at the main county ground? Jeez, this is mad stuff you're getting annoyed at. It hardly costs millions to open a gate and one stand for a club match

[Dreadnought]

Why are people so animated about the cost? Genuine question. Do you believe that by not building it the money will somehow be spent on some other part of government that will deliver some top class service or something? What is it about the cost specifically that people care about? 

No idea. it's a mad one. It'll be paid for by government and will pay itself back. So not sure those up in arms on this

[JimStynes]

Is there never going to be another ground built in Ulster? Is it best to have 9 10k-15k Athletic Ground type stadiums? Hold the Ulster Finals in Croke Park? If there is a stadium to be built then it is best to build in the Islands second biggest city. If people don't want it then pour the money into doing up Croke Park as it needs a face lift. But whatever happens Clones has to be forgotten about as a big venue. It is a shit hole and in the back of beyond.

[JimStynes]

It's the spoofing that annoys me. A bunch of amateurs and their only hope now is that the UK Government throw the money at it to deliver the Euros, whatever it takes. That may save their skin in the end, but never forget it has been a complete fiasco.

And every chance it will be an underused white elephant. The euros will be gone in a blink, and then what?  Potentially one or two capacity games per year, and as far as concerts, there are plenty of established venues already so there'll be plenty of competition for the big artists to pick from - no guarantee at all of success there either. 

And where will an Antrim U16 final be played?  Will they really go to the cost of opening a 34k seat stadium for a club underage final?

Like who cares? The Euros will pay for it itself. Even if it will be a white elephant (which i don;t think it will), we often see tournaments build stadia and leave them in place for use. Why is this seen as a bad thing? It'll be paid for and got the money back in tax, and then will be used for otehr events

And yes? Hardly would think they'll open up every stand and have 100s of stewards. But absolutely. Isn't this the point, that finals even underage ones are played at the main county ground? Jeez, this is mad stuff you're getting annoyed at. It hardly costs millions to open a gate and one stand for a club match

When Casement was open it was used all the time for Antrim club games with a few 100 people there.

[weareros]

To host an event like the Euros, governments have to invest. London spent £14 billion in the Olympics. If each game brought about 30,000 visitors to Belfast area (going with assumption North haven't a hope in hell of qualifying) , and each spent £500 (which is conservative) that's £75 million into the local economy. With concerts, American football one offs like Aviva, Ulster finals, it will well pay for itself.

[trailer]

Why are people so animated about the cost? Genuine question. Do you believe that by not building it the money will somehow be spent on some other part of government that will deliver some top class service or something? What is it about the cost specifically that people care about? 

No idea. it's a mad one. It'll be paid for by government and will pay itself back. So not sure those up in arms on this

I just don't get it. I really don't. This is money solely for this project promised by multiple executives at Stormont and multiple Tory governments. Casement or nothing. Where do you play big GAA games if it isn't built then?
Casement will also benefit from a new stadium bounce as people go to see it and see their county play in it and what is more it will more suitable for young families who cannot attend Clones because it isn't covered and hasn't got modern facilities for families with young children.

It's an absolute no brainer and if we have to get into bed with Uefa for 2 months to get it built so be it. The stadium will there for the next 30 years+. Modern, comfortable stadium that future proofs our facilities for big games going forward. 

[Sportacus]

It's the spoofing that annoys me. A bunch of amateurs and their only hope now is that the UK Government throw the money at it to deliver the Euros, whatever it takes. That may save their skin in the end, but never forget it has been a complete fiasco.

And every chance it will be an underused white elephant. The euros will be gone in a blink, and then what?  Potentially one or two capacity games per year, and as far as concerts, there are plenty of established venues already so there'll be plenty of competition for the big artists to pick from - no guarantee at all of success there either. 

And where will an Antrim U16 final be played?  Will they really go to the cost of opening a 34k seat stadium for a club underage final?

Like who cares? The Euros will pay for it itself. Even if it will be a white elephant (which i don;t think it will), we often see tournaments build stadia and leave them in place for use. Why is this seen as a bad thing? It'll be paid for and got the money back in tax, and then will be used for otehr events

And yes? Hardly would think they'll open up every stand and have 100s of stewards. But absolutely. Isn't this the point, that finals even underage ones are played at the main county ground? Jeez, this is mad stuff you're getting annoyed at. It hardly costs millions to open a gate and one stand for a club match

When Casement was open it was used all the time for Antrim club games with a few 100 people there.

It was a few volunteers from Antrim GAA who had the keys opening up for you.  You'll be going cap in hand now to the Ulster Council every time and they'll be telling you it costs X, Y and Z to open up. Mark my words.

[Milltown Row2]

It's the spoofing that annoys me. A bunch of amateurs and their only hope now is that the UK Government throw the money at it to deliver the Euros, whatever it takes. That may save their skin in the end, but never forget it has been a complete fiasco.

And every chance it will be an underused white elephant. The euros will be gone in a blink, and then what?  Potentially one or two capacity games per year, and as far as concerts, there are plenty of established venues already so there'll be plenty of competition for the big artists to pick from - no guarantee at all of success there either. 

And where will an Antrim U16 final be played?  Will they really go to the cost of opening a 34k seat stadium for a club underage final?

Like who cares? The Euros will pay for it itself. Even if it will be a white elephant (which i don;t think it will), we often see tournaments build stadia and leave them in place for use. Why is this seen as a bad thing? It'll be paid for and got the money back in tax, and then will be used for otehr events

And yes? Hardly would think they'll open up every stand and have 100s of stewards. But absolutely. Isn't this the point, that finals even underage ones are played at the main county ground? Jeez, this is mad stuff you're getting annoyed at. It hardly costs millions to open a gate and one stand for a club match

When Casement was open it was used all the time for Antrim club games with a few 100 people there.

Our pitch was being done up must have been 91 and we played all our club games in football there, made my senior club football debut there maybe 30 in attendance . Not sure why our hurlers didn't, could have been we were div 2 at the time

[Saffrongael]

It's the spoofing that annoys me. A bunch of amateurs and their only hope now is that the UK Government throw the money at it to deliver the Euros, whatever it takes. That may save their skin in the end, but never forget it has been a complete fiasco.

And every chance it will be an underused white elephant. The euros will be gone in a blink, and then what?  Potentially one or two capacity games per year, and as far as concerts, there are plenty of established venues already so there'll be plenty of competition for the big artists to pick from - no guarantee at all of success there either. 

And where will an Antrim U16 final be played?  Will they really go to the cost of opening a 34k seat stadium for a club underage final?

Like who cares? The Euros will pay for it itself. Even if it will be a white elephant (which i don;t think it will), we often see tournaments build stadia and leave them in place for use. Why is this seen as a bad thing? It'll be paid for and got the money back in tax, and then will be used for otehr events

And yes? Hardly would think they'll open up every stand and have 100s of stewards. But absolutely. Isn't this the point, that finals even underage ones are played at the main county ground? Jeez, this is mad stuff you're getting annoyed at. It hardly costs millions to open a gate and one stand for a club match

When Casement was open it was used all the time for Antrim club games with a few 100 people there.

It was a few volunteers from Antrim GAA who had the keys opening up for you.  You'll be going cap in hand now to the Ulster Council every time and they'll be telling you it costs X, Y and Z to open up. Mark my words.

Yeah will be a different ball game now and they will probably make a song and dance about letting "grassroots" games in as part of a PR drive at the start.

Realism and the bottom line will soon be apparent & it won't last

[Dreadnought]

Why are people so animated about the cost? Genuine question. Do you believe that by not building it the money will somehow be spent on some other part of government that will deliver some top class service or something? What is it about the cost specifically that people care about? 

No idea. it's a mad one. It'll be paid for by government and will pay itself back. So not sure those up in arms on this

I just don't get it. I really don't. This is money solely for this project promised by multiple executives at Stormont and multiple Tory governments. Casement or nothing. Where do you play big GAA games if it isn't built then?
Casement will also benefit from a new stadium bounce as people go to see it and see their county play in it and what is more it will more suitable for young families who cannot attend Clones because it isn't covered and hasn't got modern facilities for families with young children.

It's an absolute no brainer and if we have to get into bed with Uefa for 2 months to get it built so be it. The stadium will there for the next 30 years+. Modern, comfortable stadium that future proofs our facilities for big games going forward. 

Exactly like. They need it for the Euros, get it built, then you've a lovely stadium for years to come after. I literally do not get the complaining

[Dreadnought]

It's the spoofing that annoys me. A bunch of amateurs and their only hope now is that the UK Government throw the money at it to deliver the Euros, whatever it takes. That may save their skin in the end, but never forget it has been a complete fiasco.

And every chance it will be an underused white elephant. The euros will be gone in a blink, and then what?  Potentially one or two capacity games per year, and as far as concerts, there are plenty of established venues already so there'll be plenty of competition for the big artists to pick from - no guarantee at all of success there either. 

And where will an Antrim U16 final be played?  Will they really go to the cost of opening a 34k seat stadium for a club underage final?

Like who cares? The Euros will pay for it itself. Even if it will be a white elephant (which i don;t think it will), we often see tournaments build stadia and leave them in place for use. Why is this seen as a bad thing? It'll be paid for and got the money back in tax, and then will be used for otehr events

And yes? Hardly would think they'll open up every stand and have 100s of stewards. But absolutely. Isn't this the point, that finals even underage ones are played at the main county ground? Jeez, this is mad stuff you're getting annoyed at. It hardly costs millions to open a gate and one stand for a club match

When Casement was open it was used all the time for Antrim club games with a few 100 people there.

I played the old Casement too. U14 feile final, and U16 county game. I still remember it and can say I played it. I can't see it not being used, and this stuff drives kids to love the game and such.

[Duine Inteacht Eile]

It's the spoofing that annoys me. A bunch of amateurs and their only hope now is that the UK Government throw the money at it to deliver the Euros, whatever it takes. That may save their skin in the end, but never forget it has been a complete fiasco.

And every chance it will be an underused white elephant. The euros will be gone in a blink, and then what?  Potentially one or two capacity games per year, and as far as concerts, there are plenty of established venues already so there'll be plenty of competition for the big artists to pick from - no guarantee at all of success there either. 

And where will an Antrim U16 final be played?  Will they really go to the cost of opening a 34k seat stadium for a club underage final?

Like who cares? The Euros will pay for it itself. Even if it will be a white elephant (which i don;t think it will), we often see tournaments build stadia and leave them in place for use. Why is this seen as a bad thing? It'll be paid for and got the money back in tax, and then will be used for otehr events

And yes? Hardly would think they'll open up every stand and have 100s of stewards. But absolutely. Isn't this the point, that finals even underage ones are played at the main county ground? Jeez, this is mad stuff you're getting annoyed at. It hardly costs millions to open a gate and one stand for a club match

The point being that Casement is no longer Antrim's county ground.
Do Dublin play their county finals in Croke Park?
I mean, they could open one gate...