It might have taken a social media campaign to force a rethink, but Antrim attacker Ryan Murray believes common sense has prevailed in the Corrigan Park dispute.
Last week, Cavan sought a change of venue for their upcoming Ulster SFC quarter-final meeting with the Saffrons, arguing that the West Belfast venue is unsuitable due to its limited capacity.
Only Derry and Tyrone backed Antrim’s stance that they ought to be allowed to host the game with the other Ulster counties siding with Cavan.
Read more: Corrigan Park gets the green light to host Antrim vs Cavan after U-turn
Following the controversial last-minute vote, Antrim were asked to nominate an alternative venue, but were unwilling to do so. A hastily-convened meeting of the Antrim County Board reflected the anger and frustration among Antrim Gaels as “Corriganornowhere” began trending on social media.
In a remarkable U-turn, Ulster GAA visited Corrigan Park over the weekend and, after receiving assurances regarding health and safety, deemed that the Whiterock Road ground was suitable to host the Ulster Championship tie following another CCC meeting on Wednesday night.
The game will go now ahead with a capacity of around 3,700 on Saturday, April 23.
“A bit of common sense has prevailed in the whole matter,” stated Murray.
“As a panel, we didn’t give it much discussion, but there was a whole social media frenzy. Friends, family members and Whatsapp groups were talking about it.
“We were just trying to concentrate on the games in front of us. I don’t really understand how it became a problem in the first place with the votes from other counties.
“It was a home draw – play it in Corrigan Park? That was as simple as it needed to be.
“I’m glad it is all sorted and it isn’t hanging over us for another few weeks.”
As Antrim fans vented their disappointment online, on the pitch the Saffrons were busy delivering one of their most impressive performances of Enda McGinley’s tenure as they surged to the top of the Division Three standings with a stunning 1-19 to 0-12 win over Longford at Corrigan last Saturday.
Murray isn’t sure if Longford were on the receiving end of some frustration from Antrim, but he was pleased with the outcome.
“Internally, we were probably annoyed by the whole situation,” added Murray.
“Maybe we’d a point to prove and that came out in the result?
“It hasn’t really been a focus for the group. We are aware of it, but we have to get on with the job in hand.”
The next job in hand is to move one step closer to Division Two by defeating fellow promotion candidates Louth in Ardee on Sunday.
The sides met at Haggardstown in the first game of Division Four North with McGinley pitting his managerial wits against his Errigal Ciaran clubmate and his former Tyrone boss Mickey Harte.
Murray kicked a brilliant winning point for Antrim on that occasion and he is expecting another close battle with the Wee County on Sunday.
“We backed ourselves from the start of the year. Last year went well and we got promoted,” said the Lámh Dhearg clubman.
“It was a Covid season and we didn’t have much time to work with Enda (McGinley), Stevie (O’Neill) and Sean (Kelly).
“We'd played one game against Armagh in the Ulster Championship and that was our season over. Confidence was good going into this year, but we weren’t exactly sure where we were as a team.
“We had a few slip-ups early in the season, but we are now there with every chance. Sunday’s game against Louth will be one of the biggest games we’ve played in many years.
“It is an important game, trying to get up the divisions to play at a higher level. . . it could be one of the biggest games I’ve played in. It is great to be in with a shout of promotion at this stage of the League.
“We’d a one-point win over Louth last year, but that game could have gone either way. That was our first game back after lockdown and both teams are probably more familiar with their new management teams. We’ve adjusted to Enda, Stevie and Sean and I’m sure Louth have adjusted to Mickey Harte.
“It is a crunch Championship game – it will be the same as last year and will come down to who can hold their nerve and get the winning score.”
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