Kerry concession to break Cork Munster SFC venue impasse

Cork has made a formal request to Kerry that they travel to Páirc Ui Rinn for the provincial semi-final on May 7.

Thu, 21 Apr, 2022 - 20:59

Tony Leen and Eoghan Cormican

KERRY GAA are set to accommodate Cork’s request to return their May 7 Munster SFC game to Páirc Uí Rinn.

A meeting Wednesday of the key Kerry stakeholders in the decision concluded that travelling to a venue that is not part of the Cork-Kerry home and away agreement is still preferable to no game at all, and a consequent passage direct to the Munster football final. Kingdom officials are likely to confirm their decision imminently.

There was concern in Jack O’Connor’s squad at the continuing lack of certainty on the venue and the game itself, which is only 16 days away.

Kerry chairman Patrick O’Sullivan is under intense pressure from local interests to keep the game in Killarney’s Fitzgerald Stadium, the preferred venue for the Munster Council. Local businesses still believe that an attendance of over 20,000 would be possible. However, at this stage, the provincial body accepts there is a greater possibility of Cork forfeiting the game than travelling to Fitzgerald Stadium.

Separately, it is understood Cork has formally requested of Kerry that they travel to Páirc Uí Rinn for the provincial semi-final - Examiner Sport understands that request will be acceded to.

Given the issue was of Cork’s making, there is a high degree of dissatisfaction with the entrenched position of their football squad and management on this, but acceptance too that nominating Páirc Uí Rinn as the venue early last month was ill-advised.

Kerry would still prefer the game was played at a neutral venue on a once-off basis, with the resumption of the home and away agreement in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in 2023, or when the counties next meet in Championship. Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds is on standby but Cork’s players have already rejected that alternative.

Back-channel communication is continuing but the reticence of the Cork squad appears firm, with most apparently sanguine with the possibility they may have played their last competitive game of the year. There is conflicting opinion whether Cork would be eliminated from the All-Ireland championship if they forfeit the Kerry game. That the game was fixed by the province for Cork would possibly help their case for reinstatement. Lost revenue to the Munster Council from its key football championship revenue generator would amount to around €300,000.

Any change of venue back to Cork will require ratification by the provincial executive. Works are ongoing to increase the capacity of Páirc Uí Rinn above 11,000 in the hope of a resolution.

Whether the game goes ahead or not, Cork’s talisman Ian Maguire will not be available. The St Finbarr’s midfielder fractured a bone in his hand during a challenge game last weekend and will be out for between four and six weeks.

Last year’s Cork football captain has already been seen by orthopaedic surgeon David Morrissey this week, with the injury not requiring surgery.

Maguire has been Cork’s most consistent performer in recent campaigns and his absence from midfield leaves a sizeable void that either the returning Brian Hartnett or Paul Walsh will be asked to fill.

Walsh saw no game-time at all during the League because of injury, while Hartnett’s League involvement amounted to 11 minutes at the end of the Offaly win in Round 7. Defender Maurice Shanley and forward Damien Gore are another two who did not feature during the League because of injury that will be available for Kerry. It remains to be seen if Seán Powter, who suffered a hamstring setback with UL in the Sigerson Cup in February, will have any involvement on May 7.

Irish Rail will add a 10.50am train service from Cork to Thurles on May 1 for the Munster SHC game between Cork and Clare.