Corrigan Park(Image: ©INPHO/Leah Scholes)

Ulster GAA back down as All-Ireland champions Armagh set for Corrigan Park

by · Irish Mirror

Ulster GAA have backed down in their stand off with Antrim, who have got their wish to host All-Ireland champions Armagh at Corrigan Park in their provincial opener.

The Antrim players had threatened to boycott the quarter-final tie but at a meeting last night the Ulster Competitions Control Committee (CCC) agreed to the tie taking place at the Belfast venue.

An earlier throw-in time of 12.30pm was agreed for the fixture, which takes place on Saturday April 12 to allow Armagh fans to travel to Dublin for their ladies National Football League final date with Kerry.

An Ulster Council statement on the Corrigan Park decision said: “At an earlier meeting held on March 6 the game was fixed for Páirc Esler (Newry) after Ulster GAA failed to get satisfactory assurances from Antrim in relation to the hosting of the game.

“Since that meeting there has been further dialogue between Ulster GAA and Antrim GAA and at last night’s meeting the Ulster CCC was satisfied with further assurances given by Antrim GAA and agreed to reverse their earlier decision.

“Corrigan Park has a certified capacity of 4,000 people. As ticket demand is likely to heavily outnumber availability, there will be no ticket concessions for this fixture.”

This means that students and OAP will pay the full ticket price.

Ulster GAA added: “Ulster CCC further re-iterated their desire for work to commence at Casement Park as soon as possible.

“Ulster CCC also last night approved a request from Ulster Ladies Gaelic Football Association to play the Ulster Ladies Football Final between Armagh and Donegal, currently scheduled for 18th May, as a curtain-raiser to the men’s Ulster Senior Football Championship Final, should the same two counties reach the final.

“Should this happen the Ulster SFC Final will be brought forward one day and be played on Saturday May 10. Otherwise, both games will remain on their scheduled dates.”

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