Ulster GAA president makes redevelopment of Casement Park a priority

"The protracted planning process has been extremely frustrating for everyone."

Newly appointed Ulster GAA president Ciaran McLaughlin, has said that the redevelopment of Casement Park is a priority during his term in the provincial chair. Tyrone native McLaughlin has been a player, coach, manager, referee, club, county chairman and Ulster Council administrator, and his son, Aaron McLaughlin, is currently captaining the new East Belfast GAA senior football team. With such an impressive CV and a family steeped in Ulster GAA, the Strabane man is turning his attention and efforts into Belfast's Casement Park. It has been a long battle to get the stadium's redevelopment finished, with issues regarding some of the residents that live in the area.

"Ulster GAA were invited to meet a group of local residents, who wanted to outline their determination to see the project redeveloped as soon as possible," said McLaughlin. "It was heartening to hear, first-hand, the commitment and passion that there is for the redevelopment of Casement Park amongst local residents and I commend their determination to ensure that their voice will not be lost," McLaughlin stated.

"The protracted planning process has been extremely frustrating for everyone and I would like to thank local residents, our members and the whole community for their continued understanding and patience as we seek to deliver Ulster’s provincial ground and Antrim’s home in the heart of West Belfast." Stephen McGeehan, Ulster GAA Project Sponsor said the fact that Ulster GAA had been approached for a meeting by a group of local residents who live beside the stadium was a positive thing.

"The group shared a letter with every Ulster GAA delegate outlining their reasons for supporting the initiative and their determination to ensure that supportive local voices will be heard in coming weeks and months ahead."