Euro 2028: GAA backs tournament games at Pairc Ui Chaoimh – Burns

GAA president Jarlath Burns says the association is “very supportive” of Pairc Ui Chaoimh staging Euro 2028 fixtures after Casement Park was ruled out as a venue.

Casement Park in Belfast was scheduled to host matches but the UK government announced last Friday that it would not be providing funding for the stadium to be redeveloped in time for the tournament.

It has been suggested that games planned for Belfast could now be played at the Cork venue, with Tanaiste and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin saying it was being “seriously looked at”.

“Obviously, we in the GAA would be very supportive of that,” said Burns.

“We know that Pairc Ui Chaoimh is open for all business and we would recommend as many games as possible to be in it.”

Thomas Byrne, the Irish Minister for State in the Department of Sport, has contacted the FAI and is asking for both Pairc Ui Chaoimh and Croke Park in Dublin to be put “into the mix” in staging the now available matches.

Changes would be required to Pairc Ui Chaoimh for it to meet Uefa specifications for a host venue.

“Well, that’s something that is aspirational at the moment and that’s something we have considered but certainly the GAA would be involved in any decision like that,” added Burns.

“I can’t speak for Uefa – it’s up to them – but the fact that the Tanaiste and the Minister for Sport came out very quickly in favour of it is very positive news for us. At the end of the day, it’s a decision for Uefa to make but we know exactly where we stand on that.”