Change of heart.

After a huge backlash over the last week it appears the GAA have finally come to their senses, with the The Irish Times reporting that they will indeed allow a tribute soccer match for the late Liam Miller to take place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Last week they released a statement which said:

 “The GAA is prohibited in rule from hosting games other than those under the control of the Association in its stadia and grounds. The Cork County Committee and Central Council have no discretion in this matter.  Only a change at Annual Congress can alter this situation. Congress takes place in February each year.”

“The GAA has sought legal advice around funding received towards the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and believes it is compliant with the terms and conditions laid down in September 2016.”

But after a GAA management committee meeting, the game will now reportedly take place alongside a GAA match that aims to raise funds for seriously injured GAA players. After reaching this decision, it’s expected to be ratified at a central council meeting that will take place on Saturday.

The game taking place at the newly-built 45,000 capacity stadium could be good news for Munster – depending on how they fair in the Champions Cup over the next few seasons.

If the southern province managed to find themselves in a position where they’ve secured a home country semi-final, Páirc Uí Chaoimh may open their doors to the men in red, rather than forcing them to play at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, as they have done previously.

It would also mean Cork hosting a huge European match featuring Munster – something the rebel county have long been starved of due to the redevelopment of Thomond Park (which is not big enough to host a European semi-final).

They just have to get there first…