Kerry insist no comeback games for Cork if Páirc Uí Chaoimh isn't ready

Kerry believe they won’t owe Cork another home game should both county’s senior footballers reach next year’s Munster final and Páirc Uí Chaoimh is not ready to stage it.

Kingdom sources say they, as part of the counties’ home-away arrangement, would not be obliged to their neighbours if the 45,000- capacity stadium is not completed in time for the would-be provincial decider.

Cork are giving little consideration to the possibility at present, as to reach that stage of the competition they must beat Waterford and then All-Ireland semi-finalists Tipperary, who knocked them out of the province at the last-four stage in June.

However, Kerry, who face the victors of Clare and Limerick on the other side of the draw, have given some thought to the idea.

As per their agreement, Kerry owe Cork home advantage in the next two championship matches as the sides’ two SFC games played during Páirc Uí Chaoimh’s redevelopment took place in Fitzgerald Stadium, last year’s Munster final and replay.

County chairman Ger Lane last month confirmed Cork will have to sacrifice home advantage for the senior hurlers’ Munster opener next May as the stadium’s completion date is approximately six weeks later in July. It means Tipperary will also have to travel to Cork for their next two championship meetings.

However, Kerry’s understanding is their current deal with Cork elapsed with the completion of this year’s championship and the prospect of travelling to face Cork on their home patch in SFC fare on three consecutive occasions is not something they are prepared to consider.

In the event Cork and Kerry do reach the final and Páirc Uí Chaoimh can’t host it, there remains the possibility of a neutral venue.

Traditionally, the Munster final falls on the first Sunday in July, which in 2017 is July 2.