Multi-sports municipal stadium is the answer

I WISH to register my wholehearted agreement with the sentiments expressed by John Kenneally in his letter headlined ‘Home of Munster rugby is Cork — not Limerick’ (Irish Examiner, January 24).

The decision to deny Heineken Cup rugby to Cork was madness, and while I acknowledge there are difficulties in relation to the upgrade of Musgrave Park, these could be overcome with the goodwill of all involved and with a plan to create a stadium for use by many sports in Cork city. The involvement of the city council in a possible municipal stadium is an issue that should be on the agenda at City Hall.

When the upgrades of both Musgrave Park and Thomond Park were being planned, it was agreed Musgrave Park would be developed first. Unfortunately, this plan was hijacked by those pursuing the Limerick agenda and the promotion of Thomond Park took on a life of its own, as has been well documented by Mr Kenneally.

The good news for him and all Munster rugby fans is that a committee is now planning to ensure Heineken Cup rugby will be played in Cork in the near future, and this committee has the active support of many organisations in the city.

Finally, it is important to state that Cork Constitution has not sold its grounds at Templehill.

Padraig Higgins

Blackrock

Cork