'SuperValu Páirc'? Pause put on renaming of stadium
Cork GAA said on Tuesday of this week that it is ‘in discussions’ with SuperValu regarding the naming rights for Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Referring to ‘speculation’ that the stadium was to be renamed ‘SuperValu Páirc’, the organisation said that both they and SuperValu would continue discussing the matter.
The matter was discussed at a closed meeting of the Cork County
Board on Tuesday night, where the media were not allowed to attend.
The family of Pádraig Ó Caoimh, after whom the stadium is named, disagreed with the proposal. Dónal Ó Caoimh said on Wednesday that he was ‘relieved’ that no vote had been taken and therefore no decisions made.
“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,” said Mr Ó Caoimh.
“I greatly welcomed both the Tánaiste Micheál Martin and the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy’s public opposition to the rebrand as SuperValu Páirc and calls for compromise yesterday. 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”.
It is worth noting that earlier this month, Munster Rugby announced they would be renaming Musgrave Park Virgin Media Park. It appears that there is not the same passion for retaining the name and legacy of Jimmy Musgrave, a past-president of the IRFU, as there has been nothing like the same furore. The park was known as Irish Independent Park from 2015 until November 2020, when it reverted to ‘Musgrave Park’.