Eastwood to host Ulster GAA in organisation’s first official visit to Westminster

Alliance Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood has said she is proud to be able to host Ulster GAA in what will be their first ever official visit to Parliament, and spoke of the need to focus attention on getting Casement Park built as soon as possible.

Sorcha Eastwood Casement Park

Next Wednesday morning (4 June), she will host a number of senior figures within Ulster GAA, including president of the organisation Michael Geoghegan and CEO Brian McAvoy, in an event intended to inform MPs about their work across the sporting and community sectors in NI, with a particular focus on the need to redevelop Casement Park.

 

Ms Eastwood has said: “It’s an absolute honour to be able to facilitate such a momentous event, bringing both the great achievements and pertinent concerns of Ulster GAA right to the heart of political power.

 

From Hurling and Gaelic Football to Handball and Camogie, Irish games are thriving right across these islands and play a vital role in bringing people together, enriching and strengthening communities through sport, music, dance, and cultural expression. Ulster GAA and the work they do are key in encouraging that spirit of camaraderie and a shared society.

 

We share their immense disappointment that Casement Park couldn’t be built in time to host Euro 2028 matches – the third largest sporting event in the world. That our local economy will miss out on such an immense boost, and that we will miss out on the chance to showcase Northern Ireland and our sporting legacy on the world stage, is incredibly disheartening.

 

We cannot afford any more missed opportunities. Alliance has consistently called for Casement Park to be built, and despite the promises that have since been broken, we want to see the project completed without any further delay.

 

I’ll continue engaging with the Secretary of State and the UK Government on this going forward, as well as take every opportunity to ensure Ulster GAA and their unique insight remain at the centre of decision-making.”