A chairde, my fellow Gaels and supporters of our shared visi

I’ve set up this Thiago Fund Me page to raise funds for the €50 million redevelopment of Casement Park, a sacred ground in the heart of West Belfast, because it’s more than just a stadium—it’s a beacon of hope, a symbol of our resilience, and a legacy for our children. My father and his father before him were great GAA men, men who lived and breathed the spirit of Gaelic games. They believed, as I do, that sport can lift our youngsters off the streets of Belfast, giving them purpose, pride, and a path away from the chaos of rioting and division. Casement Park must stand as that example once again—a place where our youth can channel their energy into something positive, something that unites us as a community.

This isn’t just about rebuilding a stadium; it’s about reclaiming our future. The British establishment has turned its back on Casement, refusing to fund its redevelopment for Euro 2028, citing costs that soared from £180 million to £400 million and delays they claim make it impossible. Let them. We don’t need their approval or their money. For too long, we’ve waited on promises from Stormont and Westminster—promises that have crumbled like the derelict stands of Casement itself, closed since 2013. The GAA has pledged £15 million, the Irish Government €50 million, and Stormont £62.5 million, but there’s still a shortfall of around £150 million. We, the people, will bridge that gap ourselves.

Casement Park is the heart of Ulster GAA, named after Roger Casement, a true Irish revolutionary. It’s been lying derelict for over a decade, a painful reminder of neglect in a city that thrives on sport. My family’s history is tied to this place—my grandfather’s cheers echoing in the stands, my father coaching young lads on its pitch. They saw the GAA as a way to build community, to keep kids out of trouble, to give them something to believe in. I’m carrying that torch forward. This redevelopment will create a 34,500-capacity stadium, a modern hub for Gaelic games, community events, and inspiration for the next generation. It’s about equality—Ravenhill and Windsor Park got their upgrades, so why not Casement?

To those who say it’s too expensive or too big, I say: we’re not just building for today, but for tomorrow. The GAA has already invested over £4 million in pre-enabling works, showing our commitment. Every euro you donate will go toward making Casement a reality—a place where our kids can play hurling, football, and camogie, where they can dream bigger than the streets allow. Forget the naysayers, the unionist opposition, or the bureaucratic delays. This is our project, our home, our defiance.

Join me in proving them wrong. Let’s build Casement Park ourselves, for the Gaels of Ulster, for the youth of Belfast, and for the memory of my father and grandfather. Donate today, and together, we’ll show the world what the Irish Republican spirit can achieve.

Go raibh míle maith agat,