No decision has been taken on the potential renaming of Páirc uí Chaoimh.
It was reported on Monday that the naming rights of the stadium were to be sold, and the stadium renamed as SuperValu Páirc.
Following a behind closed doors meeting of delegates at last night's Cork County Board meeting, the board released a statement to say that they were "conscious of the public debate that followed recent speculation in the media."
The statement also confirmed that Cork GAA is in discussion with SuperValu about the naming rights for the stadium, and that both parties remain committed to continuing their engagement.
Páirc uí Chaoimh is €30m in debt, with the naming rights deal believed to be worth €250,000 - €300,00 per year.
The statement from Cork GAA in full reads:
"Cork GAA can confirm 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."
Speaking after last night's meeting, Cork GAA CEO Kevin O'Donovan said:
"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 up date on naming rights.
"Naming rights, the story continues - we are in ongoing negotiations.
"We confirmed that we are having those negotiations with SuperValu at the moment.
"They're very complex deals in terms of various elements. They're a little more complex than jersey or other partnerships.
"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 continue discussions."
Tánaiste Michéal Martin criticised the deal yesterday, saying he was "annoyed" at the proposal.
"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."
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, also criticised the proposed renaming of the stadium
#GotCork Place, history & memory matter in Cork, sad to hear the memory of Pádraig Ó Caoimh v much eliminated; Corkonian, IRA volunteer & 35 years developing the GAA in the early Irish Free State; a huge legacy left; his story still matters; rethink on re-naming NB #proudofCork https://t.co/a7w5l5KmiD
— Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy (@cllrkmac) January 15, 2024
