Casement Park: Stadium saga a ‘missed opportunity to get buy-in from all sides’ – Antrim’s Peter Healy

Casement Park, which has a planned 34,000-capacity, must be built by 2027 in order to be ready in time to host Euro 2028 matches.

However, funding remains a considerable obstacle. Northern Ireland’s government has pledged £62.5m, the Irish government €50m (£43m) and the GAA £15m – leaving at least £180m needed to rebuild the west Belfast stadium.

But 27-year-old Healy, who graced the Casement turf at underage level over a decade ago, remains hopeful that the project will eventually be completed.

“It’ll be great to have big games in Casement some day,” said the St Enda’s club-man.

“As an Antrim Gael you’re never stuck for talking about it.

“Hopefully Casement Park can get sorted, after the Euros at this stage it looks like, and then we can get some big days in Belfast for Antrim GAA, Ulster GAA and for everyone.”

Healy, who is preparing for Antrim’s Tailteann Cup semi-final at Croke Park on Sunday, added: “There are lads in our team who have never played in Casement. I played in an Under-16 final there about 13 or 14 years ago.

“Corrigan Park has been good for us these past 10 years but we need a home for Antrim GAA and we need somewhere to play and somewhere to have club finals and Ulster Championship games.”