Member's statement: Casement Park
Member's statement by Ms Aisling Reilly on .
- MLA
- Ms Aisling Reilly
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 3 June 2025
- Type
- Member's statement (made as a minister)
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Casement Park
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 4985684
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Casement Park to me, as a young sportsperson and Gael growing up in west Belfast, was more than bricks and mortar, as it was for all Gaels: it was a symbol of identity, pride and belonging for Gaels across Antrim, Ulster and beyond. As an Executive flagship project, its delivery is not optional; it is a promise that must be honoured. I had the privilege of playing in Casement Park when I lined out with my club, St Paul's, shoulder to shoulder with teammates and friends and with two of my sisters by my side. Those memories are some of the most special of my life. It is truly sad to think that an entire generation of young Gaels has been denied that same opportunity to wear their club colours or represent their county and feel the pride of place and history that Casement Park embodies. We cannot and will not allow another generation to miss out. Now is the time for the British Government to step up and put their commitment on the table. No more delays or broken promises: the GAA community has waited long enough. Casement Park goes far beyond sport. It will be a catalyst for regeneration, creating jobs, boosting local businesses and putting west Belfast and Antrim on the map. It will drive investment and pride into a community that has given so much and asked for so little in return. Antrim and Ulster Gaels deserve a home, and that home is Casement Park. For our part, we stand together — club and county, player and supporter — to deliver a stadium that reflects who we are and the future that we deserve. There is no ambiguity in this: Casement Park will be built.
289 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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