Neil McManus: Antrim footballers should cede Corrigan threat

Antrim hurling legend Neil McManus has said that the county's footballers should park their threat to not play their Ulster SFC opener against All-Ireland champions Armagh if the game is moved from Corrigan Park.

Last week, long-serving Saffron footballer Paddy McBride had said that the squad had agreed that they would forfeit the fixture if the venue was changed from the 4,000 capacity Belfast ground.

However, in a statement to RTÉ Sport, Ulster GAA said that despite being first out in the draw, Antrim were not in a position to host the game with Casement Park’s redevelopment still in its embryonic stage.

"Corrigan Park does not meet the required health and safety standard to accommodate this fixture," the provincial council said.

"Ulster GAA met with Antrim GAA officials last month to review the situation in detail, and those discussions remain ongoing."

Speaking on Allianz League Sunday, McManus opted not to side with his county's footballers, citing attendance restriction as the key factor.

"I love Corrigan Park, I really like playing there. Whenever we made it our home as a county ground, it really stood to us and our performances there have been really good so I can fully understand why the Antrim county board, the Antrim football management, the Antrim football players all want to play it there.

Joe Canning still hasn't had a chance to visit the Galway dressing room yet, but he took time to make two young fans' day at Croke Park. pic.twitter.com/DK4eji5Ni6

"But if it’s going to cost you home venue for some games next year if we don’t abide by the rules it might not be the smartest thing to do."

"We have to come to a solution, we want as many people as we can to be able to watch the games. It’s only fair that Armagh fans