Páirc Euro bid to remain a field of dreams

By Finnian Cox

UEFA announced this week that SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh won’t be used as an extra Irish venue for Euro 2028.

Suggestions to use Páirc Uí Chaoimh as a venue were first made in September, when it was confirmed that Belfast’s Casement Park would not be redeveloped in time for the tournament. Páirc Uí Chaoimh was suggested as an alternative venue to host the Casement Park games, with city councillor Peter Hogan describing it as a seismic opportunity.

However, David Courell, CEO of the FAI confirmed that UEFA have decided against it, choosing to host the planned Casement games at one of the 9 confirmed venues.

He also credited the Irish Government with being supportive of the attempt to have a tenth venue.

Labour Cllr Peter Horgan said he was “gutted” over the decision. In June, he submitted a motion at Cork City Council to seek support for the city’s bid.

In response to UEFA’s decision, Cllr Horgan asked UEFA to reconsider their decision, and “look at Cork and Páirc Uí Chaoimh as venue for those finals”.

“It has the support of Government, the support of the GAA, FAI, city council and stakeholders across the city and county,” said Cllr Hogan.

“I have pushed this issue with senior officials since my election and it is simply gutting for UEFA to make this call without engaging directly with stakeholders on the ground.”

Both An Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne suggested to the FAI that Páirc Uí Chaoimh could be used as a venue.

The FAI reiterated their support for an extra Irish venue and remain confident they will obtain another match in Ireland.

On Friday at 7.15pm, Ireland face Wales in Cardiff for the first leg of their crucial UEFA Women’s Euro play-off final. The reverse tie is at the Aviva on Tuesday 3 December at 7.30pm.