The Cork senior football team and management say they won't play Kerry in the Munster Championship at any venue other than Páirc Uí Rinn.

In a statement issued to The42.ie last night, the Rebels make clear their insistence that the game, scheduled for May 7th, be played on Cork soil.

The Munster Council has moved the game to Killarney's Fitzgerald Stadium, as Páirc Uí Chaoimh is unavailable to host the fixture due to an Ed Sheeran concert scheduled for the venue in late April.

Páirc Uí Rinn's capacity has been deemed too small, as it will accommodate just 11000 spectators even if certain improvement works are carried out in time.

But, in a statement, the Cork players and management have firmly set out their stance.

Cork statement 

“As players and management our sole focus is on preparing and playing to the best of our ability next month in the Munster Championship, representing our families, our clubs and our county. We did not envisage needing to issue this statement.

“Cork and Kerry have long had an agreement in place to decide home and away fixtures. This year’s fixture is a home game for Cork, as initially announced in a press release by Munster GAA on the 4th of March.

“We believe the decision made this week by the Munster Council must be reversed.

“The decision to take the game to Killarney is driven by the financial benefits resulting from a larger crowd. We feel this reasoning sets a bad precedent, it is wrong and it goes against the values of the Gaelic Athletic Association.

“As such, we are preparing for the Munster Football Semi-Final on 7 May 2022 to be played in Páirc Uí Rinn.

“We will not be playing the match in any other venue."