Antrim Board Apologise to Casement Social Club in a Formal and Public Way

[Clinker]

Antrim GAA apologises to Casement Social Club


THE bitter dispute over the redevelopment of Casement Park has taken a fresh twist, with Antrim GAA writing to the social club apologising for its "unnecessary and ill-judged" actions.

Relations soured after the county board shut the west Belfast Casement Park Social Club ahead of the start of renovation work for a £77 million stadium plan - a confidential settlement was later reached.

At the height of the row, Antrim GAA instructed solicitors to write to members threatening legal action over £37,000 in alleged unpaid bills and members staged a round-the-clock sit-in when the club was served with legal papers demanding they leave the building.

Casement Social Club went to court and won the right in court to continue trading and last August it was announced temporary facilities would be purpose-built behind Owenvarragh shops on Andersonstown Road, just yards from the stadium.

County secretary Frankie Quinn has now penned a letter of apology to club members and outlined an series of undertakings, including to pay the social club's VAT bill, paying the £25,000 annual rent for the temporary premises which will be built at a cost to Ulster GAA of more than £500,000.

The planning application has been approved by Belfast City Council and the interim clubhouse will have "two bar areas, snooker room, darts area and ancillary space fitted out to the highest specification for the enjoyment of members".

It also contains recognition of "the value and importance of the social club and of you as members within the fabric of Casement Park past, present and future".

The development came as Ulster GAA prepares to submit a fresh planning application in its bid to transform the ground into a provincial stadium.

Earlier approval was overturned in the High Court in December after a judge ruled it was unlawful following a judicial review challenge.

In a humbling climbdown, Mr Quinn wrote: "We acknowledge that some of our actions up to this point were not conducive to the establishment and maintenance of a positive relationship, including the decision to issue letters to Social Club members over outstanding debt.

"In order to build trust and to enhance good faith between both parties I would like to express our regret for these actions to the entire Casement Social Club membership and look forward to working with you to redress this hurt."

He has also offered to attend a club meeting to formally express his recognition of the "significant financial" contribution it has made to "the ongoing development of of our county".

Antrim GAA have promised "to rebuild a meaningful relationship with the Casement Social Club" and Mr Quinn appears to have issued a blanket offer of support, saying the county "will not be found wanting in terms of doing what is necessary to resolve any remaining issues".

Here

[bannside]

On the money HS. Chickens coming home to roost at last. A very public and humiliating climbdown - the stakes must have been very high. But as you say better late than never.

[manfromdelmonte]

I still can't believe there's no handball courts being included in the stadium design.
You could tuck 3/4 of them away no problem at the back of one if the stands.

[bannside]

What irks thee HS?

[Jeepers Creepers]

Thought Antrim CB don't own the place anymore? do them for trespassing!!!