Páirc Uí Chaoimh should be considered for Euro 2028 – McCarthy

With confirmation that Casement Park will not be developed in time for Euro 2028, Páirc Uí Chaoimh should now be considered as an alternative venue, a Fine Gael Councillor has said.

The UK government last week confirmed that Casement Park in Belfast would not be developed in time to host Euro 2028 as had been planned.

Councillor Úna McCarthy, Fine Gael General Election candidate in Cork South Central said: “While it is regrettable that Casement Park will not be in a position to host Euro 2028, this presents an extraordinary opportunity for Cork to step in and provide a suitable alternative.

“The FAI, GAA, government, and other stakeholders must all come together immediately and put in a concerted effort to act on this opportunity and approach UEFA with an offer to bring the tournament to Lee side.

“Páirc Uí Chaoimh is ideally placed to host a tournament of this size, with the stadium now having a capacity of 45,000 following recent renovations and is well-equipped to meet UEFA’s requirements for hosting.

“Major soccer and rugby games have been held successfully here in the past, with the likes of the Liam Miller match in 2018 and the Euro qualifier between Ireland Women’s team and France this July proving the capabilities of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and its surrounds.

“Cork City has the transport, retail, and hospitality facilities and amenities to host a tournament of this size. It would provide a major economic, social and cultural boost to the Munster region, and would bring a historic and unparalleled sense of joy that would live on for many years.

“I am calling on all relevant stakeholders to come together and work to deliver on this chance to host Euro 2028 in Cork and ensure that this unique opportunity is not lost,” Cllr McCarthy concluded.