Criticism after Antrim athletics venue renamed Centenary Stadium

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A well-known athletics site has been renamed by a council to mark the centenary of the score, drawing criticism from coaches and athletes.

Antrim Stadium, which opened in 1979 and sits next to the Antrim Forum leisure center, has been renamed Northern Ireland’s Centennial Stadium.

However, some in sports circles were unimpressed in calling the decision “political” and saying that an opportunity had been missed to name it after those who have made great contributions to sport in Ireland.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council unveiled the name in a re-dedication ceremony this month.

In a statement posted on its website, he said NI Centenary Stadium “will take with it all the history, events and accomplishments of clubs and athletes over the years.”

Alliance Mayor Billy Webb said he was “delighted that we were able to include this special dedication of our athletic stadium into our program of centennial events.”

But Irish News coach and athletics columnist Malcolm McCausland said the name appeared to be “political.”

“During 30 years of turmoil, athletics has never been a cold home for any religion, religion was not there,” he said.

“So it is sad now, 20 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, that religion seems to have entered and a political name has been chosen.

“I think if they change their name, it behooves them to recognize athletes like Maeve and Sean Kyle who have given so much to athletics for many years.

“I think the stadium should be named after Maeve, the first Irish woman to participate in an Olympic Games who was a major success.

“Coached by her husband Sean, I think a stadium stand should be called after him – it would be a nice tribute for both of them and not score a political point.”

Celebrity trainer John Glover also questioned the change on Twitter and agreed that the Kyles should be honored instead.

“Why make the facility politically controversial when you have the opportunity to honor two of the most respected names in Irish or world athletics who spend much of their time there working for the community?” he said.

The North Belfast Harriers Track Club wrote on Twitter: “The Kyle Stadium and the grandstand named after John McAdorey or someone from around the corner who competed at the highest level (or similar level) would be the more appropriate “.

Ballymena McAdorey’s sprinter represented Ireland at the Sydney Olympics but died in 2019 at the age of 45.

Numerous social media were also critical, calling it a “terrible idea”, suggesting taxpayers had not been consulted on the change, while others said the word “Antrim” should have been kept.

A council spokesperson said that as part of its “Northern Ireland centenary commemoration program, the council has renamed several of its facilities, including Antrim Stadium”.

She said that “all decisions regarding the commemorative program have been approved by the NI Centennial Council Working Group, which includes both external and internal representatives.”

“The rebranding of the Antrim stadium has been approved through the usual committee / council process,” she said.

The name change proposals were part of the board’s NI Centennial Program, which was reviewed by Section 75 and an equality impact assessment was not deemed necessary, so there was no requirement for public consultation, this was approved by the community planning committee in March 2021. “

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