By:
Graeme Hanna
Derry City are awaiting approval from the GAA to seal their temporary move to Celtic Park, the home of Derry GAA.
Due to plans to replace the much-maligned 4G pitch at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, the Candystripes’ preferred option is to make the very short journey to play their home games at Celtic Park.
Initial talks with Derry GAA, Derry and Strabane District Council, and the FAI have been productive, but the plan will need to receive the assent of the GAA Central Council.
A meeting is due to take place at Croke Park next month, which will approve or veto the proposal.
The current Brandywell pitch will be ripped up and replaced with a new hybrid grass surface, complemented with a bespoke sprinkler system.
The predominantly grass pitch (90%) is supplemented and strengthened with synthetic fibres (10%), which also assists with the turf recovery times between games.
It is envisaged that work will get underway in April, once the spring season arrives and most importantly, when Institute’s league season has concluded.
The NIFL Championship side is a current tenant at the home of Derry City, as their nomadic existence continues following the demise of their Drumahoe venue in 2017 due to major flooding.
Derry City timeline for temporary Celtic Park switch
Tiernan Lynch’s side plan to get the League of Ireland campaign started at their home, then return to the Brandywell upon completion of the new pitch, in time for their UEFA Europa League qualification campaign in early July.
Derry City will commence the new domestic season with the President’s Cup clash with double-winners Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Saturday, January 31.
Following the League of Ireland fixtures release, their first game of the season will see Sligo Rovers visit the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday, February 6.
Derry City’s plans to move temporarily to Celtic Park come in tandem with Galway United’s similar proposal to switch to Galway GAA’s Pearse Stadium so that essential drainage works can be carried out at Eamon Deacy Park.
The plan has already received full backing and endorsement from Galway GAA, but it will also require sign-off from the Central Council.
Historically, GAA’s Rule 42 prohibited any ‘foreign games’ from being played in its stadiums, but the rule was amended in 2005, with major international football and rugby taking place at Croke Park, as well as local football and other games, at venues across Ireland.
Image credit: @doiregaa/X
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