‘Páirc Uí Rinn or nowhere’ saga finally comes to an end as Kerry release statement

Cork have retained home advantage.

Kerry GAA has agreed to play the upcoming Munster semi-final against Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn on 7 May. The players and management had a meeting in which they have ”decided to accede to a request from Cork County Board”  to play the game at Páirc Uí Rinn. The Rebel's usual home stadium Páirc Uí Chaoimh is unavailable due to an Ed Sheeran concert, which prompted suggestions that the game should be played in Killarney. However, Cork were unwilling to give up home advantage, which led to an impasse, until this morning when Kerry released the following statement. “The Executive of the Kerry County Board, following consultation with the Senior Football Team Management and subject to the approval of the Munster Council, has decided to accede to a request from Cork County Board to set aside for one year only [2022] the Home & Away agreement between the Counties in order that Páirc Uí Rinn may substitute for Páirc Uí Chaoimh as Cork’s ‘Home’ venue for this year’s Munster Senior Football Championship game.

“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.

“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.”