The first photo is of the current state of Caement Park. This is a particularly sad sight for me when I think of the childhood and adult memories that I have of the place.
Going to watch the late Jim Nelson in charge of the Antrim hurlers and put it up to the best in the country in the very early nineties, and I even remembers one or two games from the late 80s i think! Jim went on to play an influential role in my life as a hurling coach, a source of infinite hurling knowledge, a friend, and a supportive figure when I went on to play senior for Antrim and also when I made the move the University of Limerick to play Fitzgibbon Hurling with some of the best young hurlers in the country at the time.
Playing for Bunscoil Phobal Feirste in the early 90’s (what a team we had!), playing against Naomh Eoin for Official Naomh Pól CLG in the Nipper Quinn U12 Final and crying my eyes out after we were well beaten on that day.
Getting a training session from Seán Óg Ó hAilpín at 15 years old, organised by the legend that was Éamonn Mór Ó Faogáin, with the other hurlers in Coláiste Feirste. There were not so many in the school as there are now back then, but that training session was a dream come true at the time, and one that formed the basis for a life long friendship with another two of hurlings greatest ambasadors in my opinion. Seán Óg and Éamonn Mór. Around the same time I was coached on the field by John Crossey, and I remember distinctly him telling us that we were Gaels, and never to forget it. Then at the age of about 40 but what seemed to us that he was about 89 he cut a sideline ball directly over the bar from about 40m out at the Andersonstown Road side goal posts.
Lining out for St. Mary’s CBGS Belfast in the Magean Cup and the McLarnon Cup, and having epic battles with St Pats Maghera was another highlight.
Making my senior debut with Naomh Pol against Ruairí Óg Cushendall was a daunting prospect and it didnt help that my helmet got smashed in half during the course of the proceedings. I am sure i had concussion but being the youngest player on the pitch i didnt let on that i was hurt.
Playing for the Official Antrim GAA U16’s and captaining the Minors to an Ulster title against Derry GAA. Winning U21 titles there, and making my senior debut against County Offaly back in 2004. I also had the privilege to play against Tipperary GAA, and Luimneach on the same pitch.
I watched 20 thousad odd stream in to commemorate the 25 year anniversary of the hunger strike in 2006. Ex POW’s gave speeches and Christy Moore sang Back Home in Derry, The Time Has Come, and No Time for Love. If I remember Caoimhín Mgc gave a rendition of Bob Marley‘s Redemption Song.
I even had a ritual of looking in the gate of Casement to catch a glimpse of the perfect field anytime I passed it. Which was usually several times a day, having grown up just up the road from it.
Its such a pity that this place has fallen into such disrepair. When you see the other photo that I have attached here, of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, you can see what a beautiful stadium it is from the outside, and the kids that are getting use of the all weather pitch that is attached to the main stadium. Fair play to Cork GAA.
Having Casement Park in the heart of the community that I grew up in was a godsend to me and many others, and I am sure that the people that it drew, the atmosphere, and the memories formed there have played a very positive influence on my life. It is time to get this place back to its former glory and beyond.
The third photo is of the crew that I was having a cúpla deoch with in Casement Social Club – Cumman Sóisialta Mhic Ásmaint at the weekend. No matter what happens to the stadium the people of West Belfast will always be there resilinat, strong, and friendly as ever, but we need this ground to be redeveloped asap so that the young people of the area can have something big to aspire to. The GAA is a magnificinet organisation that does so many good things, and every day that Belfast city does not have a functioning stadium is a day too late.