Proposals to rename Páirc Uí Chaoimh paused as further talks expected

A proposal to rename Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Ballintemple, Cork has been halted for further discussions in light of public backlash over plans to rebrand it as SuperValu Páirc.

In response to criticism over the proposed name change, Cork GAA released a statement on their website confirming that nothing has been finalised as they continue discussions with SuperValu.

Statement from Cork GAA, can be read here https://t.co/O8GNeRyXPj pic.twitter.com/7z7BGZ3kya

— Cork GAA (@OfficialCorkGAA) January 16, 2024

The statement was released in the wake of last night's county board meeting over naming rights where delegates said that an acceptable rebranding compromise would be SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

"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," the statement reads.

In recent years, the prospect to rebrand Páirc Uí Chaoimh has intensified amid financial challenges and the stadium’s poor trading position. At the Cork GAA convention last month, it was revealed that the debt on the stadium was still in excess of €30 million. It was further reported that Páirc Uí Chaoimh had made a comprehensive loss of €2.688 million for the 2023 fiscal term.

During last night's board meeting, there was shared understanding among many delegates that Cork's unstable financial position necessitated a naming rights deal, but that understanding diminished considerably when it came to the complete removal of Padraig Ó Caoimh from the stadium name.

Jerry Howe, delegate for St Nick’s GAA, expressed his criticism that the executive’s announcement to remove media presence from the monthly county board meeting, followed by Monday’s leaked news that Páirc Uí Chaoimh would be renamed SuperValu Páirc, "looks terrible."

Douglas' Der O’Regan acknowledged that if there was no budging on SuperValu Páirc, he would like to see the unnamed South Stand labelled 'O’Keeffe Stand.'

Councillor Seán Martin, who served as chair of Nemo Rangers, spoke of disappointment within the club at the proposal to remove the name of a historical figure who was essential to the Association’s growth and reorganisation at levels local, national and international.

Expressing his dismay at the proposal, Cllr. Martin said: "[Delegates] are sacrificing our tradition, our heritage, and our history."

In a statement thread on X, Dónal Ó Caoimh—grandson of the stadium’s current namesake, Pádraig Ó Caoimh—discussed the outcome of yesterday’s 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 SuperValu on naming rights.”

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

Ó Caoimh continued: “Hopefully now this time will give an opportunity for reflection + 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.”