SuperValu officially announced as name-sponsor for Cork's iconic Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Cork GAA has officially confirmed that the historic Cork City stadium, known as 'Páirc Uí Chaoimh', will be renamed 'SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh' as part of a new 10-year partnership with the retailer.

Plans to rename the stadium were first announced earlier this month, with the decision stalled following backlash on social media. People argued that the stadium should not be renamed due to its legacy.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin took to social media to comment on the possible name change, 'Deeply disappointed and 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.'

Redeveloped in 2017, the iconic stadium has to pay off a debt of €30m over twenty-five years.

In a statement, Cork GAA stated 'naming rights for the stadium are part of a broader commercial strategy by Cork GAA. This aims to put Cork GAA on a stable financial footing to help develop the game at both local and county level.'

Kevin O’Donovan, CEO of Cork GAA, said 'We are very excited to embark on a new journey with our partners in SuperValu, a retailer that has community and family at its core. We are confident that they will bring these shared values to the future of the home of Cork GAA.'

'The realisation of naming rights is another step in the right direction and shows the value that the Cork GAA brand retains as we continue to expand our commercial model in support of our games. As part of this process, we continue to engage with members of the O’Caoimh family and keep them informed of developments.'