Neil McManus and Oisin McConville give their verdict on “Corrigan or nowhere” stand-off
Neil McManus has warned that Antrim’s stand-off regarding the venue for their upcoming Ulster SFC Championship game against Armagh might “not be the smartest thing to do” as the saga threatens to cast a shadow over one of the GAA’s flagship competitions.
The Saffrons were drawn out first against the All-Ireland champions and, as such, would normally be entitled to a home draw.
However, with the Casement Park redevelopment perpetually stalled, their second home venue of Corrigan Park has a capacity of just under 4,000 - although it hosted the Ulster SFC meeting between Antrim and Cavan in 2022 and Antrim’s All-Ireland hurling quarter-final against Cork later that year.
Read more: "I'm just baffled" - Davy Fitzgerald laments Antrim display as away day woes continue for Saffrons
Antrim footballers insist they will not play the game if they are forced to give up home advantage, but the Ulster Council last week replied to the threat by stating that Corrigan Park “does not meet the required health and safety standard to accommodate this fixture” with speculation the game could be moved to Newry's 20,000-capacity Páirc Esler.
Speaking on RTÉ’s League Sunday programme, McManus feels the his native county ought to look at the bigger picture.
"I love Corrigan Park, I really like playing there. Whenever we made it our home as a county ground, it really stood to us and our performances there have been really good so I can fully understand why the Antrim county board, the Antrim football management, the Antrim football players all want to play it there,” said McManus.
"But if it’s going to cost you home venue for some games next year if we don’t abide by the rules it might not be the smartest thing to do.
"We have to come to a solution, we want as many people as we can to be able to watch the games. It’s only fair that Armagh fans and Antrim fans get to watch that game.
"How would you pick how many fans get to go and how many from Antrim and how many from Armagh?
"It could be a very tough situation for both counties to be in. Whatever the outcome is, it’ll have to be something that does facilitate as many fans as possible."
With Armagh’s season ticket allocation believed to be close to Corrigan Park's capacity, the venue for the game has yet to be confirmed with talks ongoing ahead of the tie, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 12.
Yet, Armagh legend Oisin McConville feels the Saffrons should host the ground, even though further improvements might be required to the West Belfast venue ahead of the fixture.
Speaking on the BBC’s GAA social podcast, McConville said: “I think it should be played in Corrigan Park.
“I think if you get a home draw - the only caveat with that is the place has to be right.
“Whatever works have to be done to make that happen, they have to be done, whatever amenities have to be improved, they’ve got two months to do that.
“Where should it be? If you get a home draw, it is crucial, especially if you are a team that is maybe perceived as an underdog - which Antrim will be going into that game.
“You want every little advantage you can possibly get, so having home advantage is key and probably that’s why they are fighting for it as much as they are. Plus, I think it would be nice for them to have a home game at Corrigan Park against the All-Ireland champions.
“I don’t think Armagh care where they play the game to be honest. It really is a standoff and it probably isn’t going to end well I imagine.”
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