The conclusion of Euro 2024 in Germany, where a magnificent Spain side vanquished Gareth Southgate’s leaden England, means that Casement Park’s prospects of playing a role in the 2028 tournament must now be deep into stoppage time.
Uefa, who organise the competition, has already shown remarkable patience throughout the torturous saga of the derelict Belfast GAA venue’s redevelopment.
But, as its full focus inevitably shifts to the logistics of Euro 2028, there is a strong possibility it will decide to draw a line under the whole affair.
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That would be enormously regrettable. The joint plan by Ireland and the UK to host the tournament envisages five matches being played at a brand new Casement Park. The opportunities are not only sporting, but also economic - a £100 million boost has been talked about - and symbolic.
As West Belfast MP Paul Maskey told this newspaper, it is a “once in a lifetime opportunity”.
Nonetheless, it is clear that financing the project is the major stumbling block. In this context, fresh comments by Taoiseach Simon Harris that his government “won’t be found wanting” are both significant and welcome.
The opportunities from hosting Euro 2028 matches in a redeveloped Casement Park are not only sporting, but also economic and symbolic
The Irish government has already pledged €50 million to the redevelopment of Casement Park, with the GAA maintaining its £15m contribution and the Stormont executive presently committed to £62.5m. The total cost for a new stadium remains the subject of speculation, with some estimates running to £300m-plus.
The Conservative government, in the form of secretary of state Chris Heaton-Harris, breezily said it would provide the balance of the money, an assurance it also supplied to the GAA.
Unfortunately the wrangling over Casement has at times developed a sectarian tone, while the vacuum of uncertainty over funding has been filled by all sorts of nonsense. These include broadcasting unchallenged claims that the GAA is so wealthy it has been able to give £1m to every county - the implication being that it could well afford to develop the stadium itself, when in fact it was a private benefactor, JP McManus, who provided a €1m injection to each county.
Hilary Benn, the new Labour secretary of state, says Casement Park is “probably the most urgent issue” on his desk. We have heard plenty of similar words before. It is long past time that the British government demonstrated its commitment in practical terms.
We need the two governments, in concert with Stormont and the GAA, to come up with a sensible, balanced plan to develop Casement Park into a preeminent facility which can make a hugely positive impact - felt not only in Belfast and Gaelic games, but also across every part of the north and by a range of sports and entertainment events.
