Statement issued on Páirc uí Chaoimh pitch

A statement has been issued on the state of the Páirc uí Chaoimh pitch.

The playing surface at the newly redeveloped stadium came in for fierce criticism following Sunday's double header, which saw the Cork footballers lose to Kildare and the Cork hurlers beaten by Wexford.

The pitch cut up badly in the opening game, and during the hurling game the sliotar was getting caught in divots, while players in both games repeatedly lost their footing.

After attracting criticism on social media and in the press, Coiste Chontae Chorcaí and Páirc uí Chaoimh issued a statement yesterday, confirming that a new pitch would be installed this year, and that Cork versus Clare in the National Hurling League on February 16th would be moved to Páirc uí Rinn. 

The statement reads:

The playing surface at Páirc Uí Chaoimh for last weekend’s Allianz Leagues games was unacceptable. 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 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.