By:
Graeme Hanna
Derry City FC has been approved to play home games at Celtic Park (the home of Derry GAA) during the 2026 season.
The GAA’s Central Council granted permission following meetings of An Coiste Bainistíochta (Management Committee) and Ard Chomhairle (National Council).
This allows temporary use of Celtic Park specifically between April and May 2026, while redevelopment work takes place at the Candystripes home, the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Disruption will be kept to a minimum as the venues are located just five minutes apart on Lone Moor Road in the city.
The work involves replacing the much-maligned artificial (4G) pitch with a new hybrid grass surface, with the expectation that Tiernan Lynch’s men will return to their base long before their European campaign gets underway in July.
When will Derry City play at Celtic Park?
As things stand, the plan is for Derry City to play four League of Ireland Premier Division home games at the alternate venue.
Derry City will play their first game at Celtic Park against champions Shamrock Rovers on April 24, followed by the fixtures against Galway United (May 4), St. Pat’s Athletic (May 22) and Shelbourne (May 25).
The cordial, positive working relations between Derry City FC and Derry GAA paved the way for the groundshare arrangement to be sealed and now it has been ratified by the relevant sporting bodies.
The two entities are existing partners with Derry City tenants at the Derry GAA’s extensive Owenbeg facility, which is now the former’s training base.
Lynch’s squad has been further boosted with the arrival of Portuguese winger Kevin dos Santos, after the 27-year-old departed Atletico Ottawa in the Canadian Premier League.
He adds to the high-profile signings of James McClean and Patrick McClean as the Creggan brothers aim for a big impact at their hometown club, playing together for the first time in their senior careers.
Derry City kick off the season in Saturday evening’s President’s Cup clash with Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium.
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