Take a look inside the new Páirc

THE new Páirc Uí Chaoimh will welcome its first spectators this evening.

The spectacular 45,000 capacity stadium, which features a GAA centre of excellence, 1,500 square feet of conference facilities, 18 bars, a state-of-the-art gym and an integrated park, has been closed since 2014 for its €80m revamp.

Saturday will see the first inter-county match take place between Clare and Tipperary in the All-Ireland quarter final and tonight’s fixture, between Blarney and Valley Rovers, in the Premier Intermediate Hurling championship, is being billed as a dress rehearsal for the big occasion.

Stephen O’Shea, commercial manager at SISK, the main contractors on the stadium development, said the company was honoured to be associated with such a historic structure.

“John Sisk & Son is exceptionally proud to deliver this landmark, best-in-class stadium in partnership with the Cork GAA County Board,” he told the Evening Echo.

Dave Flannery, managing director of the stadium architects Scott Tallon Walker, said the new stadium will stand the test of time.

“We are very proud of our design, being a rare opportunity to build a major stadium in a public parkland,” he said.

“The materials chosen are robust and easy to maintain, and the building should withstand the ravages of use and weather,” he said.