Páirc Uí Chaoimh is set to be re-named as SuperValu Páirc in a deal that is reported to be worth ballpark €1m to Cork GAA.
The historic move could be ratified at a meeting of Cork GAA delegates as soon as Tuesday night, with three other brands Boston Scientific, Statkraft and PepsiCo also set to take on more minor branding roles in the stadium, as part of the deal, which was first reported by the Irish Examiner.
Since its re-development in 2017, Páirc Uí Chaoimh has saddled Cork GAA with significant debts for, as the county board’s CEO Kevin O’Donovan mentioned in his annual report last month.
The cost of that renovation, which took place between 2015 and 2017, was first projected to cost €60m but ended up soaring to €110m.
“Crippling energy costs, along with fixed charges such as rates present major obstacles. Current stadium debt levels, now resting at over €30m, continue to present a major challenge,” said O’Donovan.
A general view of Páirc Uí Chaoimh since its renovation in 2017.
“2024 will see the return of rugby and concerts to the stadium as it seeks to fulfil a municipal agenda.
“Such high scale and indeed expensive physical assets simply must be utilised at every part possible opportunity and as we do not have access to a sufficient number of games in our own association, we must look elsewhere at every opportunity.”
Páirc Uí Chaoimh is an iconic stadium in Irish and Cork culture, having been named after the GAA’s former director general of 35 years, Pádraig Ó Caoimh.
Former Cork footballer Paul Kerrigan, meanwhile, also had his say, claiming that the stadium should be known as SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, while leader of Fianna Fáil Micheál Martin, father of Cork senior football goalkeeper Micheal Aodh Martin, said he is ‘deeply disappointed and annoyed’ by the development.
Deeply disappointed & annoyed at the proposal to change the name of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Pádraig Uí Chaoimh was a key figure in the formation of the GAA at club and national level.
Govt allocated €30m towards the development of the stadium and never sought naming rights.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 16, 2024
Surely Supervalu Pairc Ui Chaoimh at the very least! Important not to forget the incredible story of the man it was named after! https://t.co/c0x6yiKDYl A founder of @NemoRangersGAA too💪🏻 https://t.co/2ZCWzM0Nqo
— Paul Kerrigan (@PKerrigan12) January 16, 2024
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