We’ve seen the virtual tour and glossy pictures. We’ve heard what a top-class venue it is going to be. Now, if we could actually get some games at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, that would be great.
The Cork venue is nearing the final stages of construction but it may not come soon enough for the two All-Ireland hurling quarter finals scheduled to take place there later this month.
The stadium, which will hold 45,000 fans on match days and is part of Ireland’s bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, was supposed to be completed for the start of championship summer but there are some final wrinkles that need ironing.
The Munster Football final between Cork and Kerry was scheduled to take place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last Sunday but the delays saw it moved to The Kingdom.
Now, according to The Irish Times, the two SHC quarters may also need a new home.
The delays have stemmed from technological and security issues and those same issues now mean the quarters could be moved to the likes of Thurles or Dublin. The stadium keys set to be handed over to Cork GAA on Friday, July 7.
Next Monday, July 10, a final decision on whether the Cork grounds are ready and fit to host the games.
Feargal McGill, the GAA’s head of games administration, has stated, however, that the stadium ‘will not be opened unless it’s completely ready’.
The Cork County Board Chairman has since responded to the report.
Ger Lane was speaking to Cork’s Red FM Sport on Tuesday morning when he stated that the redeveloped venue would be ready in time to host the pair of quarter-finals which are scheduled the weekend of 23 July.
A massive week ahead, so.
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