Cork international to impact on local cup fixtures

The Republic of Ireland’s friendly with Belarus at Turner’s Cross in Cork on May 31 will impact on local fixtures, but it’s a small price to pay for the city’s first senior international in more than 30 years.

It was announced on Monday that the home of Cork City FC will host the game during Martin O’Neill’s side’s stay at the Fota Island resort as part of their final preparations for Euro 2016.

Ger Delaney, the secretary of the Munster FA, which owns the stadium, acknowledged the vote of confidence given to the Cross following the redevelopments of the last decade or so.

“The FAI got in touch in the last couple of weeks to see if it was available and, obviously, we were delighted,” said Delaney.

“It has hosted nearly everything else in the last few years, up to U21 level and senior women’s games, and we had a B international in 1990, when Ireland beat England. It suits the team when they’re staying in Fota; having the ground so close is convenient.”

Cork City play Derry City at the venue on May 13 and that is likely to be the last action before the Belarus game, with John Caulfield’s side back there for the big game with Dundalk on June 3.

Domestic cup finals in the various Cork leagues are likely to be postponed.

“We had a few fixtures allocated for that week,” Delaney said. “The end of May is a busy time and there are always a lot of cup finals played there, teams like the opportunity. Those matches will go back now to the start of June, we have to try to keep everyone happy.”

Cork Sportsground Services, based in Dripsey, have been enlisted to get the pitch ready for the international tie, while the MFA will liaise with the FAI regarding other preparatory measures, said Delaney.

“We’ve started working on the pitch,” he said. “For the other logistics, we’ll meet with the FAI and see if there are other different requirements needed.”