Advertisement
The former Ireland international passed away in February, aged 36. Donall Farmer/INPHO

'A fitting send-off to a Cork legend' - Liam Miller tribute game to be held at Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Páirc Uí Chaoimh will stage a tribute match for the late Liam Miller, who passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

CONFIRMATION THAT THE Liam Miller tribute match will be held at Páirc Uí Chaoimh was received on Saturday, following meetings with the GAA’s Management Committee and Central Council at Croke Park.

A statement released this afternoon confirmed that the game was given the go-ahead and that a GAA event would be held beforehand on Tuesday 25 September at the 45,000 capacity venue.

There was a positive reaction to Saturday’s news that would see the game moved to a larger venue from Turner’s Cross, which holds a capacity of 7,000.

“Well done to @officialgaa for making the decision to open @PaircUiCha0imh …. now we can all focus on a fitting tribute,” said former hurler Tom Kenny, who won two All-Ireland championships with Cork.

Irish Olympic medalist Rob Heffernan said: “Well done to all involved in allowing this to happen. It will be a special night for all sports lovers in Cork and a fitting send off to a Cork legend.”

The game is being held to raise funds for charity and the family of former Republic of Ireland international Miller, who passed away earlier this year aged just 36 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Liam Miller prepares to take a corner Miller made 21 appearances for Ireland. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

The match has been the subject of an ongoing controversy, after the Cork County Board refused to let its 45,000-seater stadium be used for the match because of the GAA’s rule 5.1, prohibiting the use of its grounds for foreign sports.

A 16-member Management Committee met at Croke Park on Friday night to discuss the use of Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the tribute match and this morning it put its preferred proposal before the GAA’s Central Council.

Saturday saw confirmation that the game was given the green light, with a statement saying:

The GAA and the organising committee of the Liam Miller tribute match can confirm that following meetings of the GAA’s Management Committee and Central Council, the event will take place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday 25 September.

“In agreement with the committee the day will also include a GAA event in advance of the tribute match. The details will be finalised in the coming weeks.”

Cork City manager John Caulfield, who signed Miller in 2015, welcomed the decision to move the game to Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

“It’s about Liam and his family and making as much money as possible for them,” he said speaking to RedFM.

“The fact that it’s going to be a bigger venue is fantastic for everyone, because sport is sport.

“While there might have been one or two technicalities, I think everyone is glad that it’s going ahead at the Páirc.”

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Author
Aaron Gallagher
View 21 comments
Close
21 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel