Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium will need to have substantial further work done to bring the playing surface up to an acceptable standard.
This will most likely now involve a new pitch being laid later in the year but the next round of the Allianz League, scheduled to be played in Cork next weekend has already been switched to nearby Páirc Uí Rinn.
A statement issued by the GAA last night made clear that while better weather will lead to a ‘dramatic’ improvement in the quality of the surface but that “the playing surface at Páirc Uí Chaoimh for last weekend’s Allianz Leagues games was unacceptable.”
The statement went on that “the heavy pitch-side traffic, associated with the construction works for the new stadium build, has had a detrimental effect on the pitch.”
“As was evident yesterday, in winter conditions, the surface is likely to cut up badly. However, as the weather improves the grass roots will develop and playability will improve dramatically.”
“The stadium team have engaged the Sports Turf Research Institute, who are international pitch specialists, to advise on the best way forward.”
“Their preliminary results suggest a pitch replacement, later this year, will be required.”
“In the short term, we will continue to use best endeavours to ensure the surface is kept to an acceptable standard.”
“Our primary concern is player safety, and if an acceptable standard cannot be achieved we will not risk player injury by fixing games in the stadium.”
“The Cork v Clare Allianz Hurling League game scheduled for February 16th will now be played at Páirc Uí Rinn.”
“Thereafter, we will assess the pitch each Monday, in advance of the upcoming Allianz League games, and advise CCCC accordingly.”
It would appear then that the first time the Ladies Football team will get to play in Cork’s GAA Headquarters will be pushed back.  They were scheduled to play there in the Lidl National League on Saturday, February 23rd but there is unlikely to be much by way of the kind of sunshine required to make that a viable option.
Of greater concern will be the knock-on impact on finances with revenue from the stadium identified by GAA Ard Stiúrthóir Tom Ryan last week as the mainstream by which the overhang debt on the stadium construction project would be paid down.
Moving down the road means that Cork GAA will still bring in revenue for the games that have to be moved but if the problem was to persist through the summer there would be questions raised over the pre-sold premium and box seating in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, which has doubtless already been factored into the revenues for 2019.
There is also the matter of Rod Stewart who is booked to play the venue on May 25th, in between the two Munster Hurling Championship fixtures Cork are scheduled to play at home on May 12th and June 9th.
It may well be that nature has played a part and the pitch is in much better condition by then but if it is not there will be a major PR issue in laying down boards to accommodate the concert crowd at a time when every last ray of sunshine may be needed.