Donegal to do a u-turn and back Antrim in Ulster SFC debacle

Donegal are due to vote tonight in favour of Corrigan Park in Belfast hosting Antrim’s Ulster SFC quarter-final against Cavan.

The Saffrons were drawn first out of the hat for the 23 April clash, handing them their first home championship game in nine years.

Cavan requested a change of venue due to Corrigan Park’s capacity of around 3,700, which was backed by the Donegal representative on the Ulster CCC committee. The Antrim, Derry and Tyrone representatives were the only ones who voted against the Cavan motion.

However, on considering the matter, the Donegal executive has favoured the game being played in Corrigan Park - a u-turn on last week’s vote at the Ulster CCC meeting to move the game out of the Belfast venue.

“We have mandated our representative to vote in favour of Corrigan Park, when the matter is to come before the Ulster Council again tonight. (Wednesday),” Donegal chairman Mick McGrath told DonegalLive. The chairman insisted that home advantage in the championship was sacrosanct and had to be respected.

“If the decision is allowed to stand the Ulster Council could move our game against Armagh to Croke Park on the grounds it has a potential to attract an attendance of 35,000,” McGrath added in reference to Donegal’s Ulster opener in Ballybofey in April against the Orchard County.

Antrim were drawn out first when the draw was made entitle them to have home advantage. And while Casement Park is their number one ground it is currently out of commission awaiting approval for a major redevelopment. The Ulster CCC are expected to reverse last week’s decision and fix the game for Corrigan Park.