The Women's Nations League clash between Ireland and France is poised to take place at Turner's Cross in Cork, marking a departure from the original plan to host the match at Tallaght Stadium.
Eileen Gleeson’s side had also hoped to play all three of their home games at the Aviva Stadium but the venue will not be available in the early summer due to remedial works.
The 16 July clash was initially slated for Tallaght, but scheduling conflicts arose due to Shamrock Rovers' European campaign. With Tallaght Stadium unavailable due to ongoing remedial works and Shamrock Rovers potentially hosting a Champions League second leg at home, logistical challenges emerged.
Efforts to rearrange the fixture order or adjust the date proved impractical, as UEFA regulations and the uncertainty of European draws posed additional hurdles. Shelbourne's potential home fixture in the Conference League further complicated matters, as UEFA typically avoids scheduling clashes within the same city on the same evening.
Turner's Cross emerged as the likely venue for the pivotal match, reminiscent of Ireland's last international match outside of Dublin in 2012. Despite Turner's Cross having a slightly smaller capacity than Tallaght Stadium, it remains a viable option, having recently hosted a friendly against Wales with a record attendance of 8,218 spectators.
While Páirc Uí Chaoimh presents an alternative, the recent decision by the GAA Central Council to open stadia, including Croke Park, to rugby, leaves Turner's Cross as the preferred choice. Though Pairc Ui Rinn boasts a larger capacity of 16,000, the decision to bring the closing group game to Cork appears likely.
