Páirc Uí Chaoimh in running to host International Rules test

SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh is in the running to host an International Rules test this October. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh is in the running to host an International Rules test this October.

The GAA and Australian Football League (AFL) are expected to confirm details in the coming weeks of what is hoped will be a two-test series as was the case in the last series in 2017 when the games were played in Adelaide and Perth.

Croke Park is in line to stage the second and final test with the Cork venue being considered for the first the weekend before. There was only one test the last time the hybrid sport was played in Ireland in Croke Park in 2015.

Páirc Uí Chaoimh previously hosted the first official Compromise Rules test in 1984 and since then the likes of Galway’s Pearse Stadium (2006), Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds (’10) and Breffni Park in Cavan (’13) have been the scene for opening tests.

GAA and AFL officials met in Dublin last month having previously discussed the revival of the concept during GAA president Jarlath Burns’s trip to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Australia GAA last autumn.

Ireland was due to host two tests in 2020, the second of them on the 100th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in November, but they were cancelled due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Louth GAA have secured additional funding to complete the first phase of their new stadium outside Dundalk. Croke Park have signed off on the €14 million opening stage of the development, which will allow approximately 6,000 spectators, over 4,000 of which will be seated in the south stand.

Louth have raised almost €15m via the State’s Immigrant Investor Programme and the entire project for the 14,000-capacity venue is expected to cost between €25m and €13m.

It is expected the first part of the development will take 16 months to complete with the plan to be open in late 2026 and will include floodlighting, standing sections behind each goal, car parking and an auxiliary building. The second phase will comprise a standing terrace and commence when funding is available.

Louth County Board chairman Séan McClean declared: “This is a momentous day for all Gaelic Games in County Louth. After years of planning and preparation, we are thrilled to secure the necessary funding to begin construction on this state-of-the-art facility.”

Speaking in February, GAA director general Tom Ryan said the organisation had to assist Louth: “We just have to deliver something for Louth. They're not looking for the sun, moon and stars, they're just looking for a ground that is capable of holding county finals and home league games and qualifiers and things like that.”