Pairc MacUilin Prepares for Antrim v’s Wexford

This Sunday will see the return of Senior Inter-county hurling to the Glens when Ballycastle GAC will host Antrim and Wexford in the Allianz National Hurling League. Pairc MacUilin was selected to host two homes games in the league after the county ground, Casement Park in Belfast, closed for a substantial redevelopment programme.

The facility in Ballycastle was recently voted the best club grounds in Ulster by the Provincial Board.

“We look forward to welcoming Wexford to Ballycastle. It’s a great occasion for local Gaels in North Antrim to play host to some of the illustrious names in the hurling world. The ‘yellow bellies’ of Wexford will provide keen opposition on Sunday before the ‘Rebels’ of Cork arrive next month.

“While the Club have prepared well to play host, the Council have sought to play their part also. I received excellent input from Kerrie, our tourist officer, when I asked her to promote the game. Not only is it on the Council website but the Causeway Coast & Glens Tourism Partnership, NITB and Bord Failte Ireland have advertised and marketed the events prominently. It is hoped the local economy will receive a bounce from the games”.

 “Hurling has seen a dramatic improvement in Antrim over the last few years. Shamrocks in Loughgiel have set the standard in recent competitions and Antrim’s under 21’s beat Sunday’s opposition to progress to the Inter-county All-Ireland at that level last season. Where once it would have been unthinkable for Antrim to beat Wexford, Sunday could serve up a cracker with the outcome unpredictable.”