Duffy says future of Clones must be addressed

Ard Stiurthoir Paraic Duffy

ARD Stiurthoir of the GAA, Paraic Duffy, has said that Gaels in the North must be realistic about the use of Clones as a big-game venue once Casement Park receives its upgrade.

Duffy, who was in Belfast last weekend to attend the opening of Lámh Dhearg’s new 3G floodlit pitch, explained that improvements to Casement Park would make a statement about the GAA in the north, and attract more fans to the association.

But this would come at a cost, as many regard Clones the spiritual home of Ulster GAA.

“When Belfast is developed there are implications for Clones, and there will have to be decisions made as to what direction Clones goes as a ground,” Duffy said.

“Obviously when Casement is complete, the demand to use Clones will be less. Monaghan will use it for Championship games, and games involving Cavan and Fermanagh, but clearly Casement does cause an issue around Clones, as you have a stadium with a 35,000 capacity that won’t be used as often.

“We are all aware of that. Monaghan County board are aware of it. Ulster Council are aware of it. We’re aware of it. There is no easy solution to it, but it is a problem that will have to be addressed.

“It is sensitive, but you have to be realistic and say when Belfast is developed there are only so many big games to go around.”

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