The opening of Croke Park to rugby and soccer is set to benefit Antrim GAA as the county builds a £8m centre of excellence at Dunsilly.
GAA president Nickey Brennan and Ulster chairman Tom Daly attended a sod cutting ceremony on Wednesday at the 26-acre site just off the M2 motorway.
"This project will ensure that there is a long lasting legacy from the rental income at Croke Park," said Mr Brennan.
Croke Park has not divulged the extent of its cash support for the project.
"That was the promise and we are delivering to the grassroots," added the GAA president.
The Ulster Council and Club Aontroma have also provided funds for the project.
The ceremony, which included a presentation on the plans, was also attended by representatives from every club in Antrim.
GAA officials are preparing to submit a planning application for phase one of the project within the next few weeks.
The centre of excellence is a core element of the Antrim Strategic Plan which was launched in December 2006.
"The Ulster Council, Antrim County Board and the Naomh Chomhgalls club are to be congratulated on their vision and commitment "
A major fundraising drive is underway in the county, backed by Club Aontroma, which announced a £50,000 contribution to the project on Tuesday.
Nickey Brennan added that he was delighted to see the launch of the project.
"This is the first launch of a regional infrastructure project enabled by the new GAA Strategic Investment fund.
"The Ulster Council, Antrim County Board and the Naomh Chomhgalls club are to be congratulated on their vision and commitment to the development of the GAA in this area."
Ulster Chairman Tom Daly described the site as "a tremendous opportunity for the GAA in Ulster and Antrim".
"The Ulster Council has been involved since the inception of this initiative nearly two years ago and we are now delighted to support Antrim's efforts," added the Ulster official.
Antrim county board chairman John McSparran described the project as the "most significant development there has been for years in the GAA in Antrim".
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