Ulster SFC: ‘Right thing’ for Antrim to host All-Ireland winners Armagh in Corrigan Park quarter-final says Patrick McBride

With the Casement Park redevelopment still not resolved – something McBride called a “disgrace” – there was no other suitable venue in Belfast.

Having suffered relegation to Division Four of the Allianz Leagues at the weekend, Andy McEntee’s side will still be considered underdogs regardless of where the fixture is played, but McBride added that the issue was about more than just competitive advantage.

“As a team, we’re realists. It’s a team that just got relegated to Division Four playing the All-Ireland champions,” he said.

“Yes, it gives you a better chance to win the match, but it’s so much more at stake – principle, the right thing, we were drawn first, we’ve no Casement Park.

“If we keep moving somewhere else, what’s the point in having Casement Park? It’s a disgrace that we don’t have it at the minute.”

McBride added that it was important for the next generation to be able to watch games of such significance within their own county.

“I grew up not knowing how good Antrim were or what but always wanting to play for Antrim because of going to big games,” he said.

“It sparked your interest. Things like this are needed in the city.”