January deadline for decision on possible Derry City move to Celtic Park

An end-of-January deadline has been set for a decision regarding the relaying of the pitch at the Ryan McBride Brandywell, with Derry City awaiting clarity on a potential temporary move to nearby Celtic Park during the works.
The Candystripes have made their intention clear to replace the much-maligned artificial surface at the Brandywell, which was installed ahead of the 2018 Airtricity League Premier Division campaign.
The proposed redevelopment would necessitate a temporary move away from their historic Lone Moor Road home, with Celtic Park, located less than 400 metres away, emerging as the club’s preferred alternative venue. It is understood the relaying of the surface could take up to three months to complete, meaning Derry City may need to stage up to four home league fixtures at an alternative venue. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Institute FC also groundshares at the Brandywell, requiring careful scheduling to accommodate both clubs.
Any temporary move to Celtic Park must first be formally approved by the GAA, with the relevant council not due to meet until the end of January. While discussions are ongoing, no agreement has yet been signed off, and any proposal would ultimately require clearance from Croke Park.
Celtic Park remains Derry City’s first choice should relocation be required, given its proximity, capacity, and suitability for League of Ireland fixtures. Alternatives outside the city are viewed as impractical and undesirable.
A short-term relocation is not expected to significantly disrupt Derry GAA during the proposed two-month window. Ciarán Meenagh’s inter-county footballers are scheduled to host Antrim in the Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final at Celtic Park, although a date for that fixture has yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, Johnny McGarvey’s Christy Ring Cup hurling side is also due to begin their campaign around the same period.
Derry City would not be the only League of Ireland club seeking temporary accommodation at a GAA venue. Galway United are also pursuing plans to play several of their home league fixtures in 2026 at Pearse Stadium in Salthill while drainage works are carried out at Eamonn Deacy Park. Galway GAA have already given unanimous backing to that proposal, though it must still be ratified by the GAA’s Central Council.
Speaking on the situation, Derry City media officer Lawrence Moore confirmed that plans are progressing but stressed that any move remains subject to approval.
“The club has made its intentions clear that they are trying to replace the pitch this season,” Moore said. “It won’t be at the very start of the season; it’ll be a few games in because we groundshare with Institute, but plans are underway to have it replaced.”
“As far as where Derry City would play for the eight to nine weeks it takes to relay the pitch, that would likely be over the summer months of April, May and June. Celtic Park is the club’s number one choice, because the nearest alternative beyond that would be somewhere like Sligo, and that’s simply not an option.”
Moore emphasised, however, that while Celtic Park is the preferred venue, the process remains far from finalised.
“The season will start at the Brandywell, and the work won’t begin until at least April,” he added. “At this stage, the club can’t confirm anything or set anything in stone. Celtic Park is definitely our priority and our number one choice, but until it’s ratified, we can’t say for sure where our matches will be played at this moment.”
Derry City and Derry GAA already enjoy a strong working relationship, with the Candystripes availing of the county’s facilities at the Owenbeg Centre of Excellence, some 20 miles outside the city. The support shown by the county board towards a potential move to Celtic Park further underlines the strength of that relationship.
“Celtic Park is an option because the club’s relationship with Derry GAA is very strong, particularly on the back of the Owenbeg arrangement,” Moore said. “Both parties try to work closely together when it comes to facilities, and there’s real scope for Derry GAA and Derry City to continue that cooperation.”
“The club will do everything within its power to work with the GAA to ensure that our games remain in Derry. Derry GAA are keen, Derry City are keen, and the FAI are open to it, which certainly helps, but ultimately we’ll have to wait until January before anything is confirmed.”