IFA chiefs go on charm offensive to appease fans over Casement Park and Euro 2028

Nelson and Kirkwood set for grilling in Kilkeel over Casement controversy

IFA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson will front up to Northern Ireland fans over Euro 2028 talking points

Irish FA big hitters Patrick Nelson and Conrad Kirkwood are set for a series of meetings with Northern Ireland supporters in the forthcoming months, starting in Kilkeel on Saturday night, when they will be quizzed on the controversy surrounding GAA ground Casement Park hosting matches in the Euro 2028 Finals.

The Belfast Telegraph can reveal that IFA Chief Executive Nelson and President Kirkwood will hold a question and answer session with members of the Kilkeel Northern Ireland Supporters Club in the Royal British Legion club in the town, with Casement expected to be top of the agenda.

Some will see the upcoming discussions with fans as a sort of ‘charm offensive’ from the IFA, who have been under fire from the Green and White Army in recent times about ticket prices for home matches as well as Casement Park.

A fly-through of the proposed Casement Park redevelopment for the 2028 Euros

Whether Nelson and Kirkwood manage to get the supporters onside remains to be seen, but sources within Windsor Park feel this type of engagement with the public is a worthwhile exercise and will increase in 2024.

There are many frustrated and angry fans who have voiced their opposition to Casement at the last four Northern Ireland matches who will believe it is about time there were face-to-face meetings between them and the IFA hierarchy on the subject.

Nelson and Kirkwood have had get-togethers with various supporters' clubs in the past, but this is the first one since the UK/Ireland bid to host Euro 2028 was successful. It is understood that Gary McAllister,