Pairc Ui Chaoimh looks certain to play rugby role

THERE has been an overall positive reaction following the opening of the 80 million euro re-developed Pairc Ui Chaoimh in Cork last week. It ticks all the boxes of the modern sporting stadium. The venue has recently been listed in Ireland’s bid to stage the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Already there are talks of major concerts at the venue, conferences and every other event that will keep the money rolling in. Somehow, we have heard all that somewhere before. The Cork stadium has a capacity of approx. 45,000, 1,500 square feet of conference facilities, 18 bars, a state-of-the-art gym and an integrated park. While the ‘official’ figures vary, the capacity is 17,000+ more than Limerick’s Mayorstone venue and 6,700 less than the Aviva Stadium’s 51,700 capacity. The top six stadia in this country (according to recent records) are Croke Park 82,300, Semple Stadium, Thurles 53,000; Aviva Stadium, Dublin 51,700; Gaelic Grounds, Limerick 49,500; Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Cork 46,500; Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney 43,180. Thomond Park accommodates 25,600.
The question being asked in local rugby circles now is whether Munster Rugby will be tempted to bring major knock-out cup games to Cork’s GAA pitch some time in the future. The 45,000 capacity should be within the ‘home venue’ rules of the European Champions Cup for semi-finals and Munster fans would no doubt prefer to head to Leeside instead of the capital for major fixtures.
While there is little fear that there would be a significant move from Thomond Park, money will always be a deciding factor with the prospect of a financial boost of 17,000 extra ticket sales a lucrative financial carrot. Cork has been starved of big rugby games since the development of the Limerick stadium and this option, provided by the GAA, could well be snapped up for oval ball action if the need arises.

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