Kerry GAA have agreed to play their upcoming Munster SFC clash against Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn on 7 May.
In a statement issued this morning, Kerry GAA and the county's senior football management has decided to accede to a request from Cork GAA board to set aside for one year only (2022) the home & away agreement between the counties.
This means Páirc Uí Rinn can technically serve as a replacement venue for Páirc Uí Chaoimh as Cork’s 'home’ venue for this year’s Munster SFC game.
However, any switch in venue will be subject to approval from the Munster Council.
The provincial semi-final was due to be played at Páirc Uí Chaoimh but the venue is unavailable due to the hosting of concerts by Ed Sheeran.
Munster GAA switched it to Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney because of their concerns over capacity at Páirc Uí Rínn. The maximum attendance possible at the venue , even with necessary remedial work carried out, is 11,000.
As a result, the provincial council made the switch with the next two championship meetings between the sides to take place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
But in reaction to this, the Cork senior football panel insisted they would not fulfil if it is to be played in Killarney and insisted that the game be played in Páirc Uí Rinn.
This has led to a stand-off in recent weeks with fears abounding that the game may have to be forfeited, meaning that Cork would not kick another ball until 2023.
However, Kerry’s statement has now handed all parties a solution to the problem – provided the Munster Council now fixes the game at Pairc Uí Rinn.
"The present agreement would recommence in 2023 with a return to Fitzgerald Stadium and on the understanding Cork’s ‘Home’ venue would be confined to Páirc Uí Chaoimh thereafter," said Kerry GAA about their home and away arrangement with Cork.
"Kerry County Board acknowledges the close relationship that exists between both Boards, the importance of protecting the integrity of the Munster Senior Football Championship and the priority now for the team management and players to prepare for the game without further distraction.
"It is now a matter for the Competitions Control Committee of the Munster Council to confirm the venue for this game and Kerry County Board will not be making any further comment on this matter until such time as that process is completed."
