Justin McNulty: Soundings on Casement Park project are 'positive'

Through his work as an MLA for Newry and Armagh, Justin McNulty is hopeful that a "positive" announcement will happen soon on Casement Park's readiness to host Euro 2028 games, with McNulty himself in contact with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on the issue.

Speaking in the last couple of days, the newly appointed secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said that Casement Park "will be built" but urged people to "bear with" him. That said the clock is ticking, with UEFA wanting the facility to be ready no later than mid-2027 to allow time for test events before the tournament. Last month, GAA president Jarlath Burns had admitted Casement is unlikely to be ready to host Euro 2028 matches, describing his outlook as "pessimistic".

McNulty is hoping that Europe's footballing governing body will show some patience, allowing for the prospect that things may now move quicker now following Keir Starmer's election as UK prime minister.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport ahead of Laois' clash with Down in Saturday's Tailteann Cup final, he said: "Listen it's teetering on the edge for sure. I have actually written to the UEFA president myself, asking for flexibility and for flexibility to be shown to Casement Park given the nature of the stadium and what it means to the north and hopefully that will be the case.

"I was hoping with Keir Starmer in Belfast yesterday that the announcement would come then but I don't know what they are waiting for. It has been described as extra-time now now for Casement to be ready for the Euros in 2028 and I think it is a huge opportunity. I just think there needs to be a bit of generosity shown on all sides to see the value of Casement Park, as being a hugely exciting, positive and powerful symbol