Cork City Football Club is gearing up for a marquee friendly match against Celtic on Tuesday, July 8, at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with fans anticipate a high-stakes encounter.

The match will mark a significant moment for both clubs, as Celtic, known for their pursuit of multiple titles, will enter the friendly on the heels of their successful league campaign. Among the key players to watch is Douglas native Adam Idah, who will be a prominent figure in the Celtic lineup.

The match comes after months of negotiations, with initial rumors surfacing in December 2024. The game is part of a broader effort to revive football at the venue, which previously hosted memorable matches, including a fundraiser for Liam Miller in 2018 between a Republic of Ireland XI and a combined Celtic/Manchester United XI.

In the previous outing in 2023, the Republic of Ireland’s women’s national team, known as the Girls in Green, hosted France in a thrilling UEFA Nations League encounter. 18,399 fans watched the match at French team Les Bleues. Denise O’Sullivan, netting the first goal, and Megan Connolly, providing an assist, played pivotal roles in the 3–1 victory. Fans and experts at Cork city are hoping to see a repeat of that glory with additional matches this year at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Celtic will be a different affair, with the Hoops expected to travel to Cork on the back of another league title success.

The match is expected to draw huge crowds, although the logistics of hosting such a large event at the venue are still being finalized. The terraces, which are typically a fan favorite, are currently under scrutiny due to UEFA regulations. However, officials are confident that a solution will be found, with an expected capacity of 45,000 spectators. Without the terraces, the stadium can accommodate up to 23,000.

Celtic’s success story continues under the leadership of manager Brendan Rodgers. Currently, his team is leading the Scottish Premiership with a 13-point cushion. They are also advancing in the Scottish Cup, with a quarter-final match upcoming against Hibernian at Parkhead. Additionally, their journey in the Champions League, where they reached the knockout phase, adds to the anticipation surrounding their visit to Cork.

Adam Idah has been a standout performer, contributing crucial goals, including a dramatic late-winner in the 2024 Scottish Cup final against Rangers. Moreover, his goal secured Celtic’s progression to the Champions League knockout rounds for the first time since the 2012-13 season. This kind of goal is a testament to the kind of nostalgia and memories fans crave seeing at such key matches that will define the outcome.

Leading up to the friendly, Cork City will face shelf-born Shelbourne and Waterford. Meanwhile, these home games at Tolka Park and the RSC could be rescheduled due to Damien Duff’s involvement in Champions League qualifying.

The fixture complements Cork City’s tradition of hosting English clubs for pre-season matches. Squads such as those of Stoke City, Birmingham, Leeds, a Liverpool XI, a Manchester United XI, and Burnley have visited Turner’s Cross in recent years.