The reported plans to rename Páirc Uí Chaoimh to SuperValu Park or Páirc have stalled as Cork GAA confirms that "discussions are continuing."
Cork County Board was set to sign off on a renaming deal during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday night, the Irish Examiner reported on Tuesday, prompting widespread criticism.
The Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium company filed an operating loss of around €331,000 last year, the Irish Examiner noted.
Later on Tuesday, however, Cork GAA confirmed “that it is in discussions with SuperValu regarding the naming rights for Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
“While no matter had been finalised prior to the meeting of delegates to the County Board on Tuesday evening, both sides have been conscious of the public debate that followed recent speculation in the media.
“SuperValu and Cork GAA remain committed to continuing their engagement, as both parties share a common interest in supporting Gaelic games across the county, and discussions are continuing.”
On Wednesday, Kevin O’Donovan, CEO of Cork GAA, told 96FM: “We gave a significant commercial update on all our commercial partnerships across the board at the stadium and Cork GAA.
"As part of that, we gave an update on naming rights. Naming rights, the story continues. We’re ongoing negotiations. We confirm that we’re having those discussions with SuperValu at the moment.
"They’re very complex deals in terms of various elements, they’re a bit more complex than jersey sponsorships or other partnerships so we’ll be considering all aspects of the deal and continuing a great discussion with SuperValu, who have very similar ideals as we have in terms of community focus and so on. So there’s a great match there and we’ll continue discussions."
Cork GAA describes Páirc Uí Chaoimh as the “celebrated Gaelic games stadium” in Ballintemple, Co Cork. The first stadium was opened in 1904 as the Cork Athletic Grounds and was later reopened as Páirc Uí Chaoimh in 1976. The Stadium underwent an extensive two-year renovation commencing in 2015 before reopening its doors in 2017.
The stadium is named in honor of Pádraig Ó Caoimh, who served as General Secretary of the GAA from 1929 through 1964.
Among those who criticized the renaming plan on Tuesday were Tánaiste Micheál Martin, the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy, and Dónal Ó Caoimh, the grandson of the stadium's namesake.
Dónal claimed on Tuesday that he had only learned of the renaming plans from the media and that he was "shocked and saddened."
In a statement on X on Wednesday, Dónal said that he is "relieved" that Cork County Board did not approve the renaming plan on Tuesday and that Cork GAA is continuing its discussions with SuperValu.
"Hopefully now this time will give an opportunity for reflection and debate on how we can both safeguard the sustainable financial health of the Cork GAA and retain my grandfather’s legacy and his place in the hearts and identity of the Irish people," Dónal said in a statement.
Dónal welcomed the Tánaiste and the Lord Mayor's public opposition to the rebranding.
He continued: "I hope an agreement can be reached where our heritage, history, and identity can be balanced against financial necessity. One potential solution is the name SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
"I know that SuperValu has made such a valuable contribution to Irish communities.
"I also greatly appreciate the coverage the media has given to the issue especially in light of the banning of the media from yesterday’s Cork County Board meeting.
"I look forward to further open and transparent public debate in the coming days."
My statement following the outcome of yesterday’s Cork County Board meeting.
I am relieved that the Cork County Board did not approve the renaming of Páirc Uí Chaoimh SuperValu Páirc last night as no vote was taken and that the Cork GAA are continuing their discussions with 1/5 pic.twitter.com/bmWf44Bv6E
— Dónal Ó Caoimh (@donalocaoimh) January 17, 2024
Comments