PRESS RELEASE 26th March 2004

CLUB DOWN

Club Down Association is extremely disappointed at the decision of Ulster Council of the GAA to stage the Down v Cavan Championship match on Sunday 16th May at Casement Park, Belfast instead of Park Esler, Newry.

Strenuous efforts are being made by Club Down, in conjunction with the Down County Board, to ensure that Park Esler is brought up to the required standard. With this game in mind we have, with the continued support of Newry & Mourne Council, fast-tracked the provision of additional capacity, with the construction of the new Canal Terrace, and this work is due to be completed by the end of April 2004, leaving just the final phase of completion of the South Stand still to be done.

However we do understand that Ulster Council, having inspected the ground, and taking into account health and safety issues in the context of the anticipated attendance, are of the view that Park Esler is not yet quite ready for such a major game, and their desire, therefore, to opt for the extra capacity, including seating, that Casement Park provides at this time.

Ultimately Park Esler, when the final phase of redevelopment is completed, will be suitable for games like this, but the continuing failure of the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure to provide fair and adequate grant aid from central government is the major stumbling block denying us the opportunity to stage this key fixture.

Club Down Association, with the generous support of its Foundation Sponsors and Club Down Members, remains determined to pursue the aim of finishing the Park Esler project in the shortest possible term, to provide Down, the proud holders of five All-Ireland senior titles, with a modern 20,000+ capacity stadium of which the people of Down can be similarly proud, and which will allow us to host all our home fixtures in the future.

Issued by Sean Magee (028 4063 2643)