Current Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are set to return to Ireland for the first time since the summer of 2023.
The Hoops faced Wolves in July of that year in the Aviva stadium in a 1-1 draw and two years later, the 1967 European Cup (Champions League) winners will be back on the Emerald Isle.
They will face League of Ireland Premier Division side Cork City at the 45,000-capacity stadium, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where the winners will lift a specially commissioned Cork Super Cup.
In 2018, a cohort of Celtic and Manchester United legends faced an Ireland selection at the ground in honour of the late Liam Miller who represented all three teams.
This will be of major benefit to Cork City FC, the local economy and will also allow Celtic to engage with its supporters who regularly travel over to games in Glasgow. A real win-win for all concerned.
This fixture will also allow for Adam Idah to return home and play football in his home county since leaving Cork for Norwich as a 16 year-old in 2017.
Speaking to the club’s media personnel, Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers says it is important that Celtic maintains its Irish links.
“Celtic’s Irish connections are very important to the Club and we are sure there will be huge interest in the match. It will be great to be going home to Ireland but also from a footballing side we are really looking forward to the match, which will be an important part of our preparations for next season.”
Meanwhile, City boss Tim Clancy is relishing the prospect of facing the European giants.
“We have enjoyed incredible support since the start of the season, and the opportunity to play a fantastic team at an iconic setting is one that both the team and the fans can look forward to.”
Season Ticket holders at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Celtic and Cork City can procure tickets from Wednesday, March 5th.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday, March 7th at 9am.