Cork secretary Frank Murphy is confident that the €70 million redevelopment of Pairc Ui Chaoimh will be carried out in one phase.

Writing in his report to Saturday's annual convention, the long-serving official also reveals how he and fellow steering group members Bob Ryan, Ger Lane, Pearse Murphy and former GAA president Christy Cooney have instructed the stadium's design team to incorporate the best features of Croke Park, Thomond Park and the Aviva Stadium into their design.

"The new stadium will provide Munster with the 'best in class' stadium and centre of excellence and at least on a par with Croke Park in many respects," he states.

"It is expected planning permission and a tendering process will be completed to allow for the commencement of the development around the middle to the end of 2014 and will take approximately two years to complete."

Murphy describes the redevelopment as "a major challenge for a voluntary amateur organisation... but an ambitious business plan has been prepared."

He continues: "It incorporates various work streams for financing the project, including internal GAA funds, public funding and long-term seat packages. The key benefit of the new stadium is that it will be a high-profile, flagship venue for the GAA."

The stadium revamp includes an extension to the stadium's covered stand, increasing spectator capacity from 43,500 to 50,000. The extension will include new player and referee changing rooms, corporate boxes, medical rooms, a gym and a restaurant, and a museum. Tweet

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