Whiterock or nowhere for championship date insists McBride

ANTRIM forward Patrick McBride insists his side’s Ulster Senior Football Championship clash with All-Ireland champions Armagh should take place at Corrigan Park.

It comes after reports the clash will be moved elsewhere due to the Whiterock Road venue’s capacity not meeting the demand for tickets.

The Irish News reported the decision came following talks between Ulster and Antrim officials.

There was a similar talking point surrounding Antrim’s home Ulster SFC clash with Cavan in 2022 being been moved away from Corrigan Park, which has a capacity of 4,100.

Eventually, Antrim were granted to play the game at home and McBride feels that can be the only outcome on this occasion.

The Saffrons have been drawn at home to Armagh with the winners in line for a semi-final against Tyrone or Cavan.

“It’s Whiterock or nowhere for me,” McBride said of their April date with the All-Ireland champions.

“Where I’m sitting on it, and I’d say everyone’s the same. We still think we’re playing that match in Corrigan.”

McBride also praised the Antrim management team for the topic not creeping up in any discussions.

Their only focus was on the opening league game, a win over Clare. The reset button was then pressed with a trip to Fermanagh this weekend.

That’s as far as the focus lies but McBride temporarily cast his thoughts to any debate over their championship venue.

“It wasn’t mentioned as a team or anything because there was no point getting worked up over that when you had a match to win at the weekend,” he said.

For McBride, it’s simple. There is no reason why they won’t play their championship game on home soil.

“You need to put the players first and the people who train all year instead of what revenue you’re going to bring in,” he said. “For me it would be Whiterock or nowhere.

“We’re not even thinking about our third league game, never mind the championship but we are still able to comment on it. The game should be in Corrigan Park and that’s where we stand on it.”