Páirc use would be ‘seismic’
By Finnian Cox
Calls have been made to use Páirc Uí Chaoimh as a venue for the Euro 2028 games after it was confirmed that Casement Park will not be redeveloped in time.
Cork City Councillor Peter Horgan voiced his enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying it would have a “seismic” effect on the city. Cllr Horgan submitted a motion in June at Cork City Council to seek support for a bid, saying that he aims to create a “groundswell of support to shift the games now from Casement to Cork”.
“We can do it by putting aside party politics issues, forgetting who gets the credit and securing it for the people of Cork and the wider Munster area,” he said. That motion will be discussed today at Cork City Council’s Strategic Policy Committee meeting.
Despite being closed since 2013, Belfast’s Casement Park had been earmarked to host five matches over the course of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the UK and Ireland.
The British government cited concerns over whether the redevelopment would becompleted in time as the reason for its decision not to fund the works. Also voicing support for a Páirc Uí Chaoimh bid is Tánaiste Micheál Martin.
Speaking to media after Fianna Fáil’s pre-Dáil think-in, he said the GAA had also shown interest in the idea. “We need to push the boat out in terms of improving out stadia and hosting more and more of these competitions or elements of these competitions,” said Mr Martin.
The Irish Government has written to the FAI regarding the suggestion.
Minister of State for Sport Thomas Byrne saidthat Páirc Uí Chaoimh would need work to reach UEFA standards but described the task as “not insurmountable”.
Thousands of extra seats would have to be added to the stadium, as would be the case with Croke Park, another venue that has been suggested.
“There’s a lot of work done already by UEFA, but I think it’s important that we really fight tooth and nail to keep as many games as possible on the island,” said Minister Byrne.
As it stands, the only confirmed venue is Dublin's Aviva stadium, which is set to host 6 matches over the course of the tournament.