Corrigan Park: ‘We’ll not play it’ – Antrim panel threaten Ulster SFC boycott if they cannot host Armagh

Antrim did not play a home Ulster SFC game from 2013 until hosting Cavan in the spring of 2022. Later that same year, the county’s hurlers hosted Cork in an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final at Corrigan Park.

Keen to generate some excitement within the county, McBride said there is “far more than just one match at stake” and that the players are united in their stance.

“We spoke as players already,” he added.

“We said we sacrifice too much to lie down. If it’s not going to be where it’s meant to be, then we’ll not play it.

“It’s one we all agreed with. It wasn’t deliberated on, it wasn’t debated, we just said this is what we’re standing for and we’re sticking with it.”

Manager Andy McEntee agreed that it was a “distinct possibility” that Antrim will not fulfil the fixture if they are forced to play elsewhere.

The former Meath boss added it was “irrelevant” how many season tickets Armagh have sold.

“Well, as far as we’re concerned, there’s no problem at all,” he said 

“It’s irrelevant how many season tickets were sold to the opposition. That’s not our issue. 

“The draw was made on the 12 October. All season tickets weren’t sold before the 12 October.  So everybody knew that we had home advantage. I don’t see a problem.”

BBC Sport NI has approached Ulster GAA for comment.