ANTRIM insisted they “won’t concede home advantage” after Ulster GAA snubbed Corrigan Park for their championship opener against Armagh.
The provincial council announced on Thursday that the Ulster SFC quarter-final would take place at Pairc Esler in April.
It comes after the Saffrons threatened last month not to field for the game unless Corrigan Park was selected as the venue.
In response, Ulster GAA insisted that the Belfast ground did not fit health and safety guidelines.
However, after the game was confirmed for Down, a statement from the Antrim squad insisted they would not be giving up home advantage.
It said: “We have worked too hard to earn this game at Corrigan Park and that is where we will be.
“We will not concede our home advantage as it is our right as players and as a county.
“Corrigan Park is our home and we expect to play there as originally scheduled.”
Should Antrim follow through on its threat to boycott the game, it could see them jettisoned out of the championship altogether.
But despite this and Thursday’s decision, Antrim GAA revealed their position had not changed.
It read: “Antrim GAA and our representatives have engaged extensively with Ulster GAA officials and all other stakeholders in recent weeks regarding the venue for the upcoming 2025 Ulster Senior Football Championship fixture versus Armagh.
“With Antrim having been drawn first and therefore awarded home advantage, Corrigan Park was duly nominated as the home venue.
“This was on the basis that it meets the statutory Health and Safety Standards.
“Antrim GAA’s position on this matter has not change and our view remains that Corrigan Park is the appropriate venue for the Championship opener against Armagh,”
The Gaelic Players Association, meanwhile, expressed its support for Antrim’s position.
And it urged Ulster GAA not to prioritise “financial concerns” over “sporting fairness”.
A statement read: “The GPA has spoken to representatives of both the Antrim and Armagh squads this evening and has made this position clear.
“We acknowledge Corrigan Park will not accommodate all Antrim and Armagh supports but the integrity of the competition and the fundamental principle of home advantage take precedence.
“Financial and logistical concerns should not be prioritised over sporting fairness.
“We urge Ulster GAA to immediately reconsider their their decision.”
