CORK hurling legend Diarmuid ‘the Rock’ O’Sullivan says big time rugby at Páirc Uí Chaoimh is long overdue.
O’Sullivan was speaking ahead of Munster’s encounter with a South Africa select XV at the home of Cork GAA in eight days' time.
The game is already a 45,000 sellout and will be the first time professional rugby is played at the Leeside venue.
“To be honest, it's about time,” said three-time All-Ireland winner O’Sullivan, who played in the AIL for eight years with Highfield and Midleton after he retired from inter-county hurling.
“I think us Cork people for far too long we've been looking at big, big games being played below in Thomond Park - Munster, the All-Blacks.
“It's been an incredible spectacle for the people of Munster, and obviously for the people of Limerick. An association has built up.
“They've built a relationship around that. I think it's great for Cork that we can now have something similar to ourselves - Munster v South Africa.
“It's going to be a wonderful, wonderful spectacle. It's long overdue.
“Hopefully this will be the first of many games of this magnitude to take place down the park and the fact that it's a Thursday night brings a uniqueness to itself as well.
“The fact that it sold out in the space of a day and a half, I think that shows the enthusiasm that was there for the people of Cork to go and support Munster.”
There was a huge furore back in 2007 when the GAA opened the gates of Croke Park to the Ireland rugby and soccer teams when Lansdowne Road was being redeveloped.
It was worth €36 million in total to the GAA in ground rental over four years.
Rental money from rugby is a welcome additional revenue stream for Cork GAA as they continue to pay off their €20 million long term debt on the redeveloped venue.
O’Sullivan continued: “I think at this stage the more our stadia can be seen world wide and recognised for the association that the GAA is, I think this will further enhance the reputation of the GAA stadia that we have within the country.”
Speaking about his time in the AIL, O’Sullivan said: “Very, very good times. I suppose I learned my trade in Highfield for two years - played on the wing and learned the game.
“I transferred to Midleton, which was closer to home and I spent the best part of six years playing full back there. It was quite comfortable.”
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