Munster FA seeking to have final say on pitch playability of Cork City fixtures

The Munster FA want to decide when Turner’s Cross is deemed unplayable as the row rumbles over funding the cost of pitch repairs.

Cork City’s teams, men and women, were forced to reverse the venues of current fixtures after their home ground’s landlords - the MFA - locked the gates “indefinitely” in the aftermath of the derby against Cobh Ramblers on April 6.

They have this week written to their member leagues in the province seeking agreement with their decision to retain a “non-negotiable” veto on pitch playability, citing the extensive pitch repairs required after the game proceeded against their direction.

It’s understood pleas by the MFA and Cobh Ramblers to abandon the fixture at half-time due to the pitch damage caused by incessant rain were ignored by referee Mark Moynihan. City were leading 2-0 at the interval, eventually prevailing 3-0.

A cost of €9,000 has been estimated for the remedial work undergone last week with the MFA stressing no party had so far accepted “liability”.

Instead of being at home, Tim Clancy’s men’s team will play tonight’s game against Longford Town and Friday’s one with Finn Harps away. The women’s team had to travel to Dublin for last week’s meeting with DLR Waves.

The Munster FA host other games at the venue, including Munster Senior League and Cork junior and schoolboys/girls final. Ireland’s U21 team have also made it their home for the current Euro qualification campaign, with the women’s Euro qualifier against France in July also potentially moving to Cork.

It remains to be seen when the ground will reopen and who foots the bill for the essential work to make it fit for purpose again.

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