The GAA have admitted that the playing surface at Páirc Uí Chaoimh is 'unacceptable' as they announced plans to move the Cork v Clare Allianz Hurling League clash to Páirc Uí Rinn and to relay the pitch later this year.

The pitch was a major issue during a double-header clash on Sunday, with major holes and divots emerging on the playing surface during both Kildare's football victory over Cork and Wexford's hurling victory over the Rebels.

It was during the later game that the problems became more apparent with Wexford boss Davy Fitzgerald claiming that the poor quality of the pitch made hurling difficult for both sides.

"It seems solid underneath, but seems to tar on top a lot, which made hurling really difficult," he told RTÉ Sport. "With the game before it, it made it extra tough. We just made up our mind beforehand whatever it is it is and we just deal with it."

The stadium revamp has been beset with issues over the playing surface since the doors were reopened in July 2017.

In december it was announced that Croke Park are to take over the running of Páirc Uí Chaoimh after it emerged the cost of redeveloping the stadium came in almost €25m over budget.

The initial estimate for final costs of €86m is now expected to rise to up to €110m and alarmed GAA authorities have stepped in to cover the debt and take over the running of the stadium for up to 15 years.

In a statement released today the GAA attempted to explain the issues that are causing problems at pitch level and while they admitted that that playing surface is 'unacceptable', they insisted that it will improve.

"The playing surface at Páirc Uí Chaoimh for last weekend’s Allianz Leagues games was unacceptable," the statement read.

"The heavy pitch-side traffic, associated with the construction works for the new stadium build, has had a detrimental effect on the pitch.

"As was evident yesterday, in winter conditions, the surface is likely to cut up badly. However, as weather improves the grass roots will develop and playability will improve dramatically.

"The stadium team have engaged the Sports Turf Research Institute, who are international pitch specialists, to advise on the best way forward.

"Their preliminary results suggest a pitch replacement, later this year, will be required."

In the short term the GAA have taken the decision to switch the February 16 game between Cork and Clare to Páirc Uí Rinn and to then assess each game on a case by case basis.

"Our primary concern is player safety, and if an acceptable standard cannot be achieved we will not risk player injury by fixing games in the stadium.

"The Cork v Clare Allianz Hurling League game scheduled for February 16th will now be played at Páirc Uí Rinn.

"Thereafter, we will assess the pitch each Monday, in advance of the upcoming Allianz League games, and advise CCCC accordingly."

Back in December McKenna flagged the pitch issue but suggested it may be too late to replace the playing surface before this year's GAA season.