'Real chance' that Cork's Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh could host Euro 2028 ties

THERE is a ‘real chance’ that SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh could be drafted in as an alternative venue for the Euro 2028 ties earmarked for Casement Park in Belfast.

Earlier this week, GAA president Jarlath Burns voiced doubts that the Northern Ireland venue will be ready in time.

The west Belfast ground has been earmarked as a venue for five Euro 2028 matches.

Mr Burns reportedly told the launch event of the All-Ireland hurling championships in Clare of his belief that it was unlikely that Euro 2028 games would be played at Casement.

Following the GAA president’s comments, the Ulster Council of the GAA said it remained fully committed to efforts to host Euro 2028 matches at Casement Park but revealed a funding decision from the UK government has been further delayed until after the British general election.

In a statement to the PA news agency, it also stressed the need for Stormont’s department for communities to progress the tendering process for the construction work to ensure Uefa timelines are complied with.

The stadium needs to be ready at least year in advance of the tournament starting in June 2028.

Speaking to The Echo, John Mullins, a member of the board of directors for Páirc Uí Chaoimh, said that “there is a real chance that the Páirc could be considered” as an alternative.

Mr Mullins — whose bid to be elected as a Fine Gael candidate to the European Parliament in Ireland South ran out of road yesterday — said that the stadium would need to become an all seater venue to satisfy Uefa standards in terms of hosting Euro 2028 finals games.

“They need all seater stadia and that would mean changes,” he added.

Newly elected Labour Cork City South East councillor Peter Horgan said it was a “no-brainer” that Páirc Uí Chaoimh should be visited by Uefa officials as a matter of urgency if Casement Park is no longer an option and to see what changes would be needed.

“I know that there is a massive desire amongst the Cork public to see more codes and big matches in Páirc Uí Chaoimh but it would service the wider Munster area also,” said Mr Horgan.

“It’s an ideal venue for the European championships serviced by major international airports in Cork and Shannon,” he added.