Ulster final and local economy
Deputy Smyth congratulated Derry on its Ulster final win and highlighted the economic benefit to Clones from the match crowd. The Ceann Comhairle noted the question was novel, and the Minister said the Deputy might discuss it further offline.
I begin by congratulating Derry on its terrific win in the Ulster GAA final at the weekend and extend my commiserations to Donegal. It was a terrific game of football.
With the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, in the Chamber, I want to refer to the wonderful and buzzing weekend in Clones with the excitement of the Ulster final. There were almost 30,000 fans in St. Tiernach’s Park and that makes a huge difference to the local economy in a town such as Clones in a Border county such as Monaghan, which borders Cavan. A conservative estimate would be that this can bring about €3 million to the local economy.
While it will be really welcome when the redevelopment of Casement Park happens, the Ulster final will then be moved there. Will the Minister consider speaking to the Ulster Council and the wider GAA in regard to whether it would be possible to have a rotating Ulster final, whereby Clones would not completely lose its 100-year tradition of holding the Ulster final and, perhaps, as is the case in Cork and Kerry, a rotating final could be considered?
Comment on this
It is, indeed. I say "fair play" to the Deputy and share her congratulations to Derry on a magnificent victory after extra time. I know the limits of my powers, but I am sure the Minister of State will have a discussion with the Deputy offline and see what can be done on that issue.