Thousands gather for rally on lack of progress


Mark Simpson

BBC News NI community correspondent

BBC Alex Maskey and Gerry Adams. Alex is bald with a white beard, wearing a denim jacket and blue shirt. Gerr has white hair and beard, wearing glasses and a South Antrim GAA zip top.BBC

Several thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams (r) and former Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey (l), gathered in west Belfast for the march

Several thousand people, including former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams, have gathered in west Belfast to protest about the failure to redevelop Casement Park stadium.

The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) ground has been lying derelict for more than a decade.

The protest was organised by South Antrim GAA, ahead of the Ulster championship match between Antrim and Armagh at nearby Corrigan Park.

Organisers of the march and rally said it was to put pressure on the Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to do more to ensure the stadium is rebuilt.

A sign saying "Hilary Benn Tell Us When"

Protest signs included the slogans “Casement’s calling, Gordon’s stalling” and “Hilary Benn tell us when”

Protest signs included the slogans “Casement’s calling, Gordon’s stalling” and “Hilary Benn tell us when”.

It is estimated that it would cost at least £260m to build a new stadium, but only around £120m is currently available.

Lyons has promised £62.5m from the Stormont executive, the GAA say it will pay £15m while the Irish government has pledged around £43m.

Casement Park, with a 34,500 capacity, had been earmarked to host football games at the Euro 2028 football tournament but, with the project on hold, the plan has been shelved.

PA Media Casement Park GAA stadium in Belfast. The stands are derelict and run down and the pitch is overgroen.PA Media

Casement Park in west Belfast has been lying derelict more than a decade

Kevin Gamble. He is bald with blue eyes, wearing a purple GAA top. Crowds of people are in the background.

Kevin Gamble, chairperson of South Antrim GAA, said: “Delaying tactics need to stop”

Speakers due to address the rally include Oisín McConville, a former All Ireland football championship winner with Armagh in 2002.

Kevin Gamble, chairperson of South Antrim GAA, said: “Delaying tactics need to stop.

“This generation of Gaels and the generations to follow deserve better.”

Before the rally, protestors gathered at the O’Donovan Rossa GAA club before a planned mile-long walk to Casement Park.



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