Derry City explore option of playing at Celtic Park while new hybrid pitch is laid at Brandywell Stadium

It's understood generous Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty will fund the upgrade of the much-maligned 4G pitch which will also include the installation of a state-of-the-art sprinkler system with works expected to take place in April 2026.

During that period the Brandywell club, who share the ground with NIFL Championship outfit Institute, will be displaced from their traditional home and are currently examining potential venues for a temporary base which could host at least four or five home fixtures.

Celtic Park, which is located less than 400 metres from Brandywell Stadium on the Lone Moor Road, would be Derry City's preferred choice while the redevelopment of the pitch takes place but any proposal would ultimately need to be rubber-stamped by the powers that be at Croke Park.

Any potential move to Celtic Park isn’t envisaged to affect Derry GAA fixtures during that two month period. Ciarán Meenagh’s Oak Leafers are scheduled to host Antrim at Celtic Park in the Ulster Senior Football Championship quarter-final but the Ulster Council has yet to set a date for that fixture. Last year's provincial quarter-finals took place on April 12th but the calendar for 2026 has yet to be fixed.

Galway United are also seeking to play several of their league fixtures in 2026 at Pearse Stadium in Salthill while Eamonn Deacy Park is set to undergo drainage works next summer, after Galway GAA gave the request a unanimous endorsement. That proposal must also be ratified by the GAA's Central Council!

The GAA's Rule 42 prohibited the playing of non-Gaelic games in its stadiums, but this rule was amended in 2005 and while playing at Celtic Park is by no means considered a formality, Derry City FC has strengthened its relationship with Derry GAA in recent years and is currently renting its Owenbeg training base.

Meanwhile, Derry City is continuing to engage with the FAI, Brandywell Stadium landlords Derry City and Strabane District Council and various stakeholders about the pitch upgrade which is estimated to cost the club less than £1million.

The new surface is understood to be around 90% natural grass with synthetic fibres added to speed up pitch recovery and help provide increased playing hours.

It is currently out at the tendering stage of the construction process which is expected to be completed next week and the works completed in time to host Derry City's Uefa Europa League qualifier next July.

No one at Derry City Football Club was available for comment on the matter while a Council spokesperson confirmed that a costed technical feasibility options report for the pitch at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, prepared by a specialist firm of playing surface consultants, was presented to elected members of the Council’s Health and Communities Committee under confidential business last summer.

"Members noted the contents of the report and were informed that there is currently no capital monies allocated for any of the replacement pitch options.

"While no decision has been made on the replacement of the pitch, Council will continue to work closely with Derry City FC, Institute FC and user groups in relation to this matter."