Cork could lose out on big games

CORK is in danger of losing out on major Munster championship games in the future unless Páirc Uí Chaoimh is upgraded, Secretary Frank Murphy has accepted.

And, rather than adding on a second tier on the Showgrounds side of the ground to restore the capacity to its original level of 50,000 it would require the demolition of the covered stand and the construction of a new two-tier stand at a cost of 20m.

Mr. Murphy told county board delegates that it could only be undertaken with government and civic grant-aid.

Last season, the Board earned a substantial figure 360,000 in rent from Munster championship games played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Failure to upgrade the stadium could result in Cork losing neutral fixtures which drew big crowds which also helped to bring in huge revenues to the city. For that precise reason, the secretary indicated that the civic authorities should be involved in financing a redevelopment of the stadium.

Outgoing Chairman Jim Cronin estimated that the five games played in the stadium put 'in excess of 20m. into the local economy.

Responding to a question on how the Executive planned to use its reserves (6.3m) he revealed that one of the major issues being examined was the upgrading the stadium. Crucial to any such development would be the acquisition of adjoining land, which is currently owned by the Munster Agricultural Society. Making a comment that improving the dressing-rooms should be a more immediate priority, Glen Rovers delegate Liam O Tuama asked when work could be tackled. The answer was that it could only be managed through the acquisition of additional land.

Newly-elected Vice-Chairman Mick Dolan suggested that dressing-rooms should be constructed underneath the terraces and that teams would exit directly on to the playing pitch through a tunnel. Responding, Chairman Jim Cronin pointed out that they did not have the space at the city end and that it would not be feasible either way.

Mr Murphy added that the Board should be looking at the bigger picture, pointing out that Semple Stadium currently had a bigger capacity and that the redevelopment of the Limerick Gaelic Grounds would also increase its capacity.

Mr. Murphy pointed out that only last week the Munster Council had fixed the 2003 Clare v. Tipperary SHC game for Páirc Uí Chaoimh, while Tipperary indicated that they would favour the venue if they won. And, there was the possibility of the final also being fixed for Cork.

"As the capital of the south we are entitled as a city to have major games, up to and including finals, played here," added Mr. Murphy.