Páirc Uí Chaoimh set for hectic October

Protesters confront GAA President Jarlath Burns at the association's Annual Congress in February of 2026. Pic: INPHO/Nick Elliott

GAA leaders have green-lighted two major international fixtures in October for Cork's Páirc Uí Chaoimnh.

The application to stage soccer's Republic of Ireland v Kazakhstan Women’s World Cup qualifier on October 13 and Munster’s Champions Cup rugby game against Racing 92 on October 17 were approved at the weekend by Central Council. 

With Cork GAA's own senior hurling finals set for Sunday October 18, it means three different sports in six days and a hectic period for Páirc grounds staff.

Cork GAA CEO Kevin O'Donovan has expressed confidence that the pitch will remain in perfect trim for the weekend's hurling showpieces. 

Meanwhile the GAA’s Management Committee and its Central Council have endorsed last year's decision from its Ethics and Integrity Commission to maintain its partnership with Allianz.

The decision had been taken to revisit the matter after correspondence received from the Tyrone county board.

In a statement, the GAA said that the latest endorsement of the Allianz sponsorship came following a “comprehensive discussion” and that it was “overwhelmingly agreed” to back the decision originally taken last December.

Among the other business covered by management was the circulation of a draft of the 2027 Masters Fixture Plan for 2027 to all counties for review. The final document will be presented at a meeting in October.