Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin stated that Páirc Uí Chaoimh, a GAA stadium in Cork, is being “seriously considered” as an alternative venue.

Minister of State Thomas Byrne, a party colleague of Mr. Martin, has reached out to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to suggest including both Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Croke Park in Dublin when reallocating the games originally planned for Belfast.

This development follows the UK government’s announcement that it will not provide the necessary funding to rebuild Casement Park in Belfast in time for the tournament. The west Belfast GAA ground had been set to host five matches during Euro 2028, a competition co-hosted by the UK and Ireland.

Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, home to Ireland’s international football team, is already scheduled to host six games. However, the FAI has expressed interest in hosting some of the matches Belfast will now likely lose.

It is expected that the games originally slated for Northern Ireland will be redistributed among the other host countries. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has acknowledged that it is unlikely any matches will be held in the region. However, he intends to ask UEFA if it would consider making an exception to its criteria to allow the 18,500-seater Windsor Park in Belfast to host at least one match.

Mr. Martin confirmed that the GAA is still open to hosting games elsewhere in Ireland despite Casement Park no longer being viable. As a TD for Cork South Central, he emphasized the possibility of hosting matches at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, though additional seating would be required to meet UEFA’s standards.

Speaking at Fianna Fáil’s think-in event in Killiney, County Dublin, Mr. Martin said, “We have raised with the relevant authorities the idea of possibly hosting another fixture at the Euros, and Páirc Uí Chaoimh is being seriously considered. We were promised a certain number of games on the island, and I believe people across the country would appreciate more opportunities to watch the tournament.”

Mr. Martin noted that Thomas Byrne had already brought the matter to the FAI, adding that it would be a challenge but worth pursuing. He also mentioned discussions with the GAA, which has shown interest in the proposal for Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Although Casement Park won’t be ready for the Euros, Mr. Martin reiterated the importance of its redevelopment, pointing out that the Irish government has already committed €50 million to the project. He expects the UK government to contribute funds as well.

Mr. Byrne confirmed that he had spoken with FAI interim chief executive David Courell about using GAA venues if Ireland receives additional matches. “We want to retain as many games as possible on the island,” he said.

“Croke Park has always been an option, but UEFA opted not to use it. Both Croke Park and Páirc Uí Chaoimh would need work to meet UEFA standards, but they are viable options.”

Acknowledging that UEFA has already done substantial work, Mr. Byrne stressed the importance of making every effort to keep as many games in Ireland as possible. While seating upgrades are needed at both venues, he believes these challenges can be overcome.