Cork City FC to endure weeks of away fixtures?

As Cork City FC faces at least a month without the use of its beloved home ground after extensive storm damage, all signs point to a reverse fixture solution.

This would mean an extended run of away fixtures for the club who currently sit atop the League of Ireland First Division.

The first City team to be affected will be Cork City Women’s FC who were due to take on DLR Waves at Turner’s Cross on Saturday. This game will now take place in the UCD Bowl at 3pm on the same day.

The decision to close the ground was made by the Munster Football Association (MFA) following a clash between Cork City FC and Cobh Ramblers last Friday during severe weather conditions. City won the game 3-0.

A statement from the MFA informed the public that Turners Cross would be closed “indefinitely”, a decision made in conjunction with the MFA’s on pitch contractors.

The MFA confirmed in its statement that “extensive areas of the pitch have been severely damaged”.

“We wish to ensure all affected parties that while there is a period of extensive works needed, we endeavour to have the Turner's Cross pitch restored and playable as soon as possible,” the MFA said.

A statement from Cork City AFC said: “We will continue to liaise closely with the Munster Football Association and the FAI regarding the pitch at Turners Cross. We will provide an update to supporters as soon as it is possible to do so.”

Cork City FC’s upcoming fixtures include an away game against UCD tomorrow (Friday), followed by a home lash with Longford Town on 19 April, and then another home game versus Finn Harps on 26 April.

It is reported that the pitch at Turner's Cross will not be fit for play until May at the earliest.