Ahead of his retirement from football - after Shamrock Rovers' title lifting game against Sligo tomorrow evening - legendary League of Ireland keeper, Alan Mannus, discussed his decision to part ways with the professional game, his manager Stephen Bradley, and an assortment of other topics.
One such issue that was brought up was the use of Casement Park as a venue for Euro 2028. While the stadium has been named as one of the match venues in the official bid, there are question marks over whether the redevelopment of the now unused and derelict stadium will be finished in time, or finished at all.
Alan Mannus Opposed To Euro 2028 Casement Park Redevelopment
Many in Northern Ireland are opposed to its redevelopment, as they feel it will benefit the GAA and not football in Northern Ireland.
Mannus, himself from Northern Ireland and an international for his country, is one of those who falls into this camp.
On the one hand, I want the country to have the Euros and everything that comes with that.
I think if they do it at Casement – and it’s nothing to do with it being GAA, it could be rugby, hockey, or whatever, but once it’s done, it won’t be used again for football.
I just feel the money will be spent on it, they’ll have the Euros for whatever time and then the GAA will get that from it and football will get nothing.
READ HERE: Recent State Of Casement Park Surprises UK Football Fans After Its Inclusion In Euro 2028 Bid
10 October 2023; A general view of Casement Park, which was announced as one of the proposed venues for UEFA Euro 2028, in Belfast, for the 2028 UEFA European Football Championship. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
“I don’t think they’ll ever need it,” he added
“I think Windsor is big enough for what we have. If we ever play Germany or whoever it might be. England or Ireland. Maybe then they could use it. If that was the case, then fine but I don’t know if that would happen or if it would happen enough.
“Those are my thoughts on it. It sounds negative. What I’m saying might be based on limited enough knowledge but the stadium would get built, we’d have a few international games there but then after that the GAA ends up with a nice new stadium. If there is a definite benefit to football after it, then I would be for it but I haven’t done enough research to know if there is."
The other side to the argument is whether having no venue in Northern Ireland will affect their qualification hopes for the tournament.
And, despite the fact the GAA will see most of the benefit after the Euros - should it come to fruition - this is something to be celebrated. Too often we have seen stadiums built for major tournaments before sinking into disuse and disrepair following its conclusion.
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