Semple Stadium chiefs are keeping their fingers crossed that the ongoing Cork hurling dispute won't hit their plans of staging the first ever floodlit match at the famous Thurles venue. Cork have been chosen as Tipperary's opponents for the official switch-on on February 14, but there's still a major doubt over whether the Rebels will compete in next season's National League. With the row between the county board and the players still raging over Gerald McCarthy's reappointment, there's a distinct possibility that Cork will not be able to field a team for the second round National League clash, which would leave Tipperary without opponents for the historic event. The high-powered floodlights are currently being installed at the 'Home of Hurling' and assuming the game goes ahead, it could attract as many as 30,000 spectators. A new luminous yellow sliothar for use under lights is also been developed, and should be used for the first time on the night. Tweet

Most Read Stories