GAA: Páirc Uí Chaoimh capacity increased to 36,646 for Sunday's Munster SHC final
Thursday 10 July 2014 13:00, UK
The capacity of Páirc Uí Chaoimh for Sunday’s Munster hurling final has been increased to 36,646.
There were reports that the capacity would be reduced to 32,500 because of health and safety issues, but a statement from the Munster GAA Council confirmed that extra tickets will be made available for the meeting of Cork and Limerick.
The statement read: “This has been approved following completion of works at the grounds, undertakings to complete further works before Sunday, a review of last Sunday’s operations at the Munster football final and consideration of all relevant factors with a particular emphasis on health and safety requirements.
“As a result of the increase in capacity, additional tickets will be made available to the participating counties and for public sale.”
The Munster Council also defended the decision for hiring a professional security firm for last Sunday’s provincial football final, a decision that Cork chairman Bob Ryan described as “crazy and unnecessary”.
“There has been extensive commentary in the media since the Munster football finals in relation to the engagement of a professional security firm at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last Sunday.
“The professional security firm was engaged on foot of a recommendation by the GAA’s Health and Safety advisors and was geared towards ensuring that the safe capacity could be increased for next Sunday’s hurling finals.
“Discussions have been on-going since mid-June between the Munster Council, the Cork County Board and the GAA's Health and Safety advisors regarding the safe capacity at Pairc Ui Chaoimh for the Munster Football and Hurling Finals.
“The Munster Council acknowledges and appreciates the role of voluntary stewards at all its games but equally has an obligation to act on any recommendations to comply with Health and Safety requirements.
“The Munster Council wishes all the participating counties well for Sunday’s senior and minor hurling finals and hopes that all patrons have an enjoyable visit to Páirc Uí Chaoimh.”
Despite the increase in capacity, it remains significantly less than the crowd of 42,370 that attended last year’s Munster final between Limerick and Cork at the Gaelic Grounds.
