60-587: Páirc Uí Chaoimh ( Irish pronunciation: [ˈpˠaːɾʲc iː ˈxiːvʲ] PARK ee KHEEV ) is a Gaelic games stadium in Cork , Ireland . Often referred to simply as "The Park", it is the home of Cork GAA and is located in Ballintemple , near the site of the original Cork Athletic Grounds . In February 2024, following a naming-rights agreement with SuperValu , the venue was branded as SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh . The stadium opened in 1976 and underwent
120-494: A "capacity" crowd of 40,885. In early 2024, it was reported that the Cork County Board and Musgrave Group had agreed a three-year naming rights deal, to refer to the stadium as " SuperValu Páirc". With criticism from some commentators (including as the proposed name dropped the "name of the man [..] after whom Páirc Uí Chaoimh was named"), as of 17 January the board stated that "no final decision has been taken" on
180-586: A 60,000-seat sports and concert venue in conjunction with the Cork Docklands redevelopment which was estimated to cost over €30m. If these plans had gone ahead, Cork would have had the second largest stadium in the country behind Croke Park . This specific plan was not progressed. On 25 September 2018, the stadium hosted association football for the first time, a benefit match for Cork-born Ireland international Liam Miller , who died of cancer aged 36 that February. A Manchester United legends team defeated
240-436: A Republic of Ireland/ Celtic legends team 3–2 on penalties after the match had finished 2–2 after 90 minutes. The official attendance for the match was 42,878. Juvenile Gaelic football and hurling exhibition games took place at half time, involving the team that Miller himself represented as a boy, Éire Óg . The first international football match to take place at Páirc Uí Chaoimh was a UEFA Women's Euro 2025 qualifier between
300-590: A capacity of 12,000. The south stand, which has three levels, includes a 2,238-seat premium level. The record attendance at Páirc Uí Chaoimh was 49,961 for the 1985 Munster Final between Cork and Tipperary . Prior to this, in 1983 , Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosted an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final replay in which Cork lost to Dublin . This was only the second time an All-Ireland semi-final had been held outside Croke Park since 1941 . The stadium hosted its first rugby match in November 2022, breaking
360-683: A close Murphy began his career as a referee. He was still a player with the Cork senior team when he was charged with officiating at the National League final in 1947. The following year Murphy took charge of his first All-Ireland senior decider when Waterford won their inaugural title. 1949 saw him referee the Munster final, having played in the earlier rounds of the championship, as well as the All-Ireland junior final. The following year Murphy
420-579: A combined attendance of in excess of 130,000. The County Board's share of ticket sales funded the purchase of Christy Ring Park . Páirc Uí Chaoimh was also the venue for Prince 's first ever Irish concert on 7 July 1990, as part of his Nude Tour . U2 played again at the stadium on 24 August 1993 on their ZooTv Tour. 1995 saw the Féile Festival being transferred to Cork for one year, with the line-up including Ash , The Stone Roses , Paul Weller and Kylie Minogue . Oasis then performed two nights at
480-480: A defeat of Limerick CBS . It was the first of three successive Munster medals for Murphy. Murphy was still a junior when he joined Valley Rovers, playing both hurling and gaelic football. In 1937, the Rovers won 4–3 to 2–0 over Carrigaline (hurling) and a 1–1 to 0–2 win over Kinsale (gaelic football) yielding Murphy junior divisional hurling and football medals in both sports. Four years later in 1941 Murphy won
540-536: A press conference took place in the Imperial Hotel, Cork on 26 July 1974. The new stadium was estimated to cost approximately £1 million, but ultimately overran to £1.7 million. Known as Páirc Uí Chaoimh, in commemoration of the late general-secretary of the GAA, Pádraig Ó Caoimh , the stadium was to have a capacity of 50,288. Designed by the Cork city firm of consultant engineers, Horgan and Lynch, Páirc Uí Chaoimh
600-613: A referee at the highest levels. He also served as a Gaelic games administrator with the Cork County Board before assuming the office of President of the Gaelic Athletic Association in 1976. Murphy first found success on the hurling field during his studies at the North Monastery in Cork. In 1940 he joined the college's senior hurling team and won a Dr Harty Cup medal that year following
660-493: A role which he held until 1978. During his three-year term as President there were many significant developments, such as the official opening of the 50,000-seat Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork in 1976, which he played a big part in the construction of. He also campaigned to the British government on the behalf of Crossmaglen Rangers , whose pitch had been occupied by the British army . During his tenure as President Murphy also had
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#1732801772401720-424: A second All-Ireland medal. In 1944 Cork were attempting to capture a fourth All-Ireland title in-a-row. No team in the history of the hurling championship had won more than three consecutive titles. The year started well for the team when Cork defeated Limerick by 4–6 to 3–6 after a replay, awarding Murphy a third Munster medal. For the third time in four years Cork faced Dublin in an All-Ireland decider. Joe Kelly
780-496: A second divisional junior hurling medal as Valley Rovers defeated Tracton by 5–7 to 5–3, followed up by a second divisional junior football medal in 1943 when Rovers beat Tracton. In 1945, Murphy played on the Carrigdhoun divisional team that reached the final of the senior hurling championship, who were beaten by Glen Rovers 4–10 to 5–3. The highlight of Murphy's career brought further success at divisional level. He won
840-588: A significant two-year redevelopment before reopening in 2017. Primarily used as a venue for Gaelic games, it has been used to host Cork's home league and championship games in both Gaelic football and hurling . The finals of both the Cork hurling and football championships have often been held at the venue. Following approval by the GAA's Central Council, soccer and rugby games have also been hosted. The stadium has also hosted concerts by Michael Jackson , Bruce Springsteen , Prince , U2 , The Stone Roses , Oasis , Elton John , Ed Sheeran and Westlife as well as
900-419: A third divisional junior hurling medal in 1949. He also gained two more divisional junior football medals in 1947 and 1951. Murphy joined the Cork senior hurling team at a time of great success for the club. He made his senior championship debut in 1942 and collected his first Munster medal as Tipperary were downed by 4–15 to 4–1. The All-Ireland final was a replay of the previous year with Dublin providing
960-399: Is a game in which two players use their hands to return a ball against a wall. The game is similar to American handball . There are four codes of handball: Softball (also known as '60x30' or 'big alley' due to the playing court dimensions), 4-Wall (also known as '40x20' or 'small alley'), 1-Wall and Hardball (can also be known as '60x30'; played in the same court as Softball). 1-Wall handball
1020-400: Is a stick and ball game played by teams of 15 on a rectangular grass pitch with H-shaped goals at each end. The primary object is to score by driving the ball through the goals or putting the ball over the bar and thereby scoring a point. Three points is the equivalent of a goal. The team with the highest score at the end of the match wins. It is over three thousand years old, and is said to be
1080-683: Is now the CAB Ford garage on the Monahan Road. By the 1960s, the Cork Athletic Grounds did not serve the needs of the modern era, and the ground's facilities were described as "primitive" by some contemporary commentators. In 1963 the county board bought some land at Model Farm Road, on the western side of the city, as the site for a new development. It was envisaged that this new stadium would hold up to 70,000 spectators and provide more modern facilities. However, problems arose and
1140-743: Is the most popular international version of handball, played in over 30 countries. The sport's governing body, GAA Handball , oversees and promotes the game in Ireland. Rounders is a bat-and-ball game which is played in Ireland; a similar version is played in Britain. Rounders is organised by a subdivision of the GAA known as the Rounders Council of Ireland. It is similar to the American game softball . Other Gaelic games such as Gaelic athletics have nearly or completely died out. When founded
1200-598: The GAA Handball organisation), they are closely associated with it but are still separate organisations. Gaelic games clubs exist all over the world. They are Ireland's most popular sports, ahead of rugby union and association football . Almost a million people (977,723) attended 45 GAA senior championships games in 2017 (up 29% in hurling and 22% in football on 2016 figures) combined with attendances at other championship and league games generating gate receipts of €34,391,635. Gaelic games are designated within
1260-602: The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Women's versions of hurling and football are also played: camogie , organised by the Camogie Association of Ireland , and ladies' Gaelic football , organised by the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association . While women's versions are not organised by the GAA (with the exception of handball, where men's and women's handball competitions are both organised by
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#17328017724011320-729: The Republic of Ireland and France . The Republic of Ireland won 3-1, with Cork native Denise O'Sullivan becoming the first player to score an international goal at the stadium. On 18 September 2024, after the UK Government announced it would not provide the additional funding required for the redevelopment of Casement Park for UEFA Euro 2028 the Irish Government pushed for Páirc Uí Chaoimh to be an alternative option to host games originally scheduled to be held in Belfast ,
1380-695: The Wolfe Tones , Stockton's Wing , and Bagatelle , and others including the Dubliners and Christy Moore . U2 played the final show on the European leg of the Joshua Tree Tour at the stadium in August 1987. The U2 concert established the venue's credibility with pop and rock acts. On 30 and 31 July 1988, Michael Jackson performed at the stadium twice as part of his Bad World Tour , with
1440-465: The primary school curriculum as requiring "particular consideration." They were showcased at the Château de Vincennes during the 2024 Paris Olympics , the first time Gaelic football and hurling had featured at an Olympics since 1904 . Gaelic football is played by teams of 15 on a rectangular grass pitch with H-shaped goals at each end. The primary object is to score by driving the ball through
1500-588: The 2017 Munster Senior Hurling and Football finals at the reopened stadium, but construction delays forced these to be relocated. The first match at the re-developed stadium was instead a Cork premier intermediate hurling championship game between Valley Rovers and Blarney on 19 July 2017, which attracted a crowd of 10,749. The venue then hosted two 2017 All-Ireland hurling quarter-finals on consecutive days later in July 2017, with combined attendances of more than 64,000. The first of these games, on 22 July 2017,
1560-425: The Cork County Board replaced all wood bench seats with plastic bucket seats in the covered and open stands. Due to the shape of the new bucket seats, overall legroom was reduced, with many complaining of being unable to sit in the seat entirely. In response, the tops were cut off the back of each seat, marginally improving legroom. In October 2007, plans were announced which proposed to redevelop Páirc Uí Chaoimh into
1620-471: The County Board. He held this position until 1973. In the mid-1980s Murphy returned as Chairman of the Cork County Board. In 2005 Murphy was a delegate at the GAA's annual congress when the controversial Rule 42 was debated. Murphy was one of the most vocal opponents and campaigned to keep Croke Park closed to soccer and rugby. In 1976 Murphy became President of the Gaelic Athletic Association,
1680-492: The GAA organised a number of Gaelic athletics competitions but passed the responsibility to the National Athletic and Cycling Association in 1922. Tailteann Games with Gaelic athletics were held until 1932. Con Murphy (Valley Rovers hurler) Cornelius "Con" Murphy (28 October 1922 – 29 April 2007) was an Irish hurler who played as a full-back at senior level for the Cork county team . Murphy joined
1740-516: The Gaelic Athletic Association. He represented Valley Rovers at the Carrigdhoun convention and in 1948 was elected chairman of that body at just twenty-six years of age. Murphy went on to represent Carrigdhoun at county board level, and became a member of the Cork County Board executive in 1947. In the early 1950s Murphy held the positions of vice-chairman and Treasurer. In 1956, following the death of Seán Óg Murphy , he took over as Secretary of
1800-479: The annual Siamsa Cois Laoi festival. Originally designed by Horgan and Lynch, the stadium had an initial capacity of 50,288. This capacity was progressively reduced because of safety regulations and, before the commencement of redevelopment works in 2015, it had a capacity of 32,550. Since the completion of the redevelopment in 2017 the capacity of the venue is 45,000, making it the third-largest Gaelic games stadium in Ireland. Sports meetings were frequently held on
1860-586: The area now occupied by Páirc Uí Chaoimh even before the establishment of the Gaelic Athletic Association . By the late 1890s the Cork County Board were allowed by the Cork Agricultural Company, the leaseholders of the land, to enclose a portion of the site for the playing of Gaelic Games . The county board built its own stadium on the land in 1898. The Cork Athletic Grounds opened in 1904 and hosted All-Ireland finals, Munster finals and National League games. These grounds were close to what
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1920-407: The capacity included 9,500 seats in the covered (Sean McCarthy) stand, 10,000 in the uncovered stand, approximately 12,000 in the "Blackrock end" terrace, approximately 12,000 in the "City end" terracing, and 50 in the wheelchair area. Following the 2017 redevelopment, the main (covered) south stand seats 13,000, the north (covered) stand seats 8,000 and the city and "Blackrock end" terraces each have
1980-563: The development, which at the time was the biggest undertaken by any sports organisation in Ireland. In addition to grants from the GAA's Central and Munster Councils, finance for the project was raised by the sale of the Board's 45 acre property at Model Farm Road, and a sizeable part of 49 acres on the north side of the city. The Board's offices on Cook Street were also sold, while further funds were raised through Coiste Gael and commercial and private subscriptions. Additional funds were raised through
2040-622: The final cost of rebuilding Páirc Uí Chaoimh could be as high as €110m, which is €24m higher than the €86m quoted when works were completed in 2017. In March 2020, the Cork County Board of the GAA confirmed they had made the stadium available to the Health Service Executive for use during the COVID-19 pandemic . The stadium is a trailhead for the Cork Harbour Greenway . Prior to the 2017 redevelopment,
2100-555: The goals, which is known as a goal (worth 3 points), or by kicking the ball over the bar, which is known as a point (worth 1 point). The team with the highest point score at the end of the match wins. The female version of the game is known as ladies' Gaelic football and is similar to the men's game with a few minor rule changes. Other formats with teams of 7 to 11 players are played in Europe, Middle East, Asia, Argentina and South Africa utilising smaller soccer or rugby pitches. Hurling
2160-465: The hero of the day. He converted a free to level the sides again before sending over the match-winner from the subsequent puck-out. With that the game was over and Murphy's side were beaten by 0–14 to 2–7. It was the fifth time that Kilkenny had pipped Cork by a single point in an All-Ireland final. Murphy won a National Hurling League medal at the start of 1948 following a 3–3 to 1–2 defeat of Tipperary. Cork later faced an on-point defeat by Waterford in
2220-848: The loan on stadium's building cost. Local promoter Oliver Barry instigated the Siamsa Cois Laoi ( Irish for 'Fun by the [River] Lee '), a weekend festival of country , folk , and Irish traditional music held annually in the stadium from 1977 to 1987. Opposition from GAA traditionalists was overcome by the need for the organisation to clear mounting debts. Each Siamsa programme featured international stars supported by Irish acts. Headliners included Glen Campbell (1979 and 1983), Don McLean (1979 and 1984), Joan Baez (1980), Kate & Anna McGarrigle , Leo Sayer (1984), Loudon Wainwright III (1985), Kris Kristofferson (1985), John Denver (1986), Status Quo , and The Pogues (1987). Support included acts managed by Barry like
2280-454: The old stadium with rivals Kerry running out comfortable winners 0–24 to Cork 0–12. It also hosted the 2014 Munster Senior Hurling Championship Final on 13 July 2014, with Cork beating rivals Limerick, 2–24 to 0–24, the final inter county game before demolition took place. In November 2014 An Bord Pleanala gave the green light to redevelop the stadium with redevelopment works running from January 2015 to mid-2017. It had been planned to hold
2340-518: The opposition once again. The game was a close affair with just a point separating the sides at the three-quarter stage. In the end Cork won by 2–14 to 3–4 and Murphy collected an All-Ireland medal. A 2–13 to 3–8 defeat of Waterford in 1943 gave Murphy a second Munster medal. He later lined out in a second All-Ireland decider with Antrim becoming the first Ulster side to qualify for a final. A final score of 5–16 to 0–4 gave Cork their second-ever hat-trick of All-Ireland titles while it also gave Murphy
2400-458: The opposition. The stakes were high for both sides as Cork were aiming for a record sixth championship in seven seasons while Kilkenny were aiming to avoid becoming the first team to lose three consecutive All-Ireland finals. In what has been described as one of the greatest deciders of all-time, little separated the two teams over the course if the hour. A Joe Kelly goal put Cork one point ahead with time almost up, however, Terry Leahy proved to be
2460-608: The privilege of presenting the Liam MacCarthy Cup to three different Cork men in succession as Cork completed a famous three-in-a-row of All-Ireland hurling victories. Born in Toureen, a few miles on the Cork side of Innishannon , Murphy was the eldest of seven children, four boys and three girls. From an early age he took a great interest in Gaelic games, particularly since his uncle Seán McCarthy , his mother's brother,
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2520-642: The project was abandoned. In 1972 it was decided to redevelop the Athletic Grounds as an alternative, and additional land was acquired from the Munster Agricultural Society, whose premises adjoined the Athletic Grounds. The new stadium area covered almost 9 acres, with works undertaken by HMC Construction Ltd. Work began in April 1974, though details of the new stadium "of the most modern design and facilities" weren't unveiled until
2580-481: The project was put on hold. In April 2014, Cork County Board and Cork City Council announced that they had been given the green light to proceed with the redevelopment project of the stadium. In May 2014, the Government sanctioned a €30 million grant to help fund the regeneration of the stadium. The work was due to start in summer 2014, and on 6 July 2014, the stadium hosted its last provincial football final in
2640-443: The proposal was supported by the GAA. Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosted its first rugby match on 10 November 2022, breaking the record for the most spectators at a rugby match in Munster with 41,400 in attendance. In the game, Munster beat a touring South Africa A side 28 to 14. The stadium also hosted a game between New Zealand rugby union side Crusaders and Munster on 3 February 2024. Munster defeated Crusaders, by 21 to 19, in front of
2700-417: The proposed name. As a compromise, "SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh" was subsequently proposed as a sponsorship name, and ratified by county committee delegates on 1 February 2024. In June 2010, Cork City Council voted in favour of the proposal to make 6.82 acres (27,600 m) of land next to Páirc Uí Chaoimh available for the redevelopment of the stadium. As part of the redevelopment, a new 'Centre of Excellence'
2760-413: The provincial decider. That defeat saw the break-up of the great four-in-a-row team of the 1940s and was followed by four lean years of championship hurling for Cork. After three consecutive defeats by Tipperary in 1949, 1950 and 1951, Murphy retired from inter-county hurling in 1951. Murphy was selected for Munster in the inter-provincial series of games. He made his debut with the province in 1944 and
2820-454: The record for the most spectators at a rugby match in Munster. Gaelic games Gaelic games ( Irish : Cluichí Gaelacha ) are a set of sports played worldwide, though they are particularly popular in Ireland , where they originated. They include Gaelic football , hurling , Gaelic handball and rounders . Football and hurling, the most popular of the sports, are both organised by
2880-532: The redevelopment had been earmarked for a public park. With Cork's average attendance not breaking 20,000 in 2011, there were also questions about the need for such a big venue, including by the Munster Council Secretary Pat Fitzgerald. The redevelopment plans proposed stand capacities as follows: In summer 2013, it was announced that an application was being lodged to redevelop the stadium, but due to financial difficulties
2940-409: The sale of 88 advertising spaces within the stadium and the sale of 3,000 five-year stand tickets at £30 each. Páirc Uí Chaoimh was officially opened on 6 June 1976. by Con Murphy , then president of the GAA. On the opening day the Cork hurlers played Kilkenny while the Cork footballers took on Kerry . The 1970s oil shocks increased interest rates and the Cork County Board was unable to repay
3000-463: The stadium in August 1996. Bruce Springsteen played at the stadium in July 2013 and again in May 2024. The first concerts of the redeveloped stadium were the opening concerts of Ed Sheeran 's ÷ Tour over three nights in May 2018. Sheeran also returned for two nights in April 2023 as part of his +–=÷× Tour . Elton John hosted part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Tour at the venue on 1 July 2022. In 2005,
3060-467: The team during the 1942 championship and was a regular member of the starting fifteen until his retirement after the 1951 championship . During that time, he won four All-Ireland medals, five Munster medals, and one National League medal. Murphy was an All-Ireland runner-up on one occasion. At club level Murphy had a lengthy career with Valley Rovers while he also played with divisional side Carrigdhoun . Once retired from playing, Murphy became
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#17328017724013120-421: The world's fastest field game, combining skills from lacrosse, field hockey, and baseball in a hard-hitting, highly skilled game. The female version of the game is known as camogie and is very similar to hurling with a few minor rule changes. Other formats with teams of 7 to 11 players are played in Europe, Middle East, Asia, Argentina and South Africa utilising smaller soccer or rugby pitches. Gaelic handball
3180-539: Was GAA president from 1932 to 1935. Murphy was educated at the local national school and later attended the North Monastery in Cork. He later joined the Southern Health Board and served in various grades and positions until he retired from the position of Senior Executive Officer in 1983. After this he started a private business which he operated successfully until his retirement in 1998. Murphy
3240-551: Was a regular until his retirement in 1950. Murphy's first Railway Cup medal was secured as an unused substitute in 1944 when Munster defeated Connacht by 4–10 to 4–4. Four years later in 1948 Murphy was a member of the starting fifteen as Munster returned to the final. A 3–5 to 2–5 defeat of Leinster gave Murphy his second Railway Cup medal, his first on the field of play. It was the first of three-in-a-row for Munster as subsequent defeats of Connacht and Leinster brought Murphy's medal tally to four. As his playing career drew to
3300-425: Was also planned, with an ancillary all-weather pitch, floodlights, 1,000 seat stand, gym and changing and medical facilities. A museum was also proposed, with dining facilities and a 400-space car park. The stadium plans expected a small increase in capacity, with the new development accommodating 45,000 when completed. The development had been subject to local opposition as some residents complained that land used for
3360-400: Was designed to have seating for 19,688 spectators, half of which would be under cover on the southern side of the ground. Long-term plans envisaged the extension of the stand all around the stadium. Included underneath the stadium structure were a number of facilities, all served by the main circulation tunnel. The Cork County Board were faced with a bill of £650,000 to cover the first stage of
3420-403: Was reduced to just two points, however, goals by Mossy O'Riordan and Joe Kelly secured the victory. A 7–6 to 3–8 score line gave Murphy a fourth and final All-Ireland medal. Cork retained their provincial dominance in 1947 with Murphy picking up a fifth winners' medal following a three-point victory over Limerick. The All-Ireland final was a repeat of the previous year with Kilkenny providing
3480-658: Was the first championship match at the re-developed stadium, and saw Tipperary defeat Clare by 0–28 to 3–16. Clare's Tony Kelly scored the first point and Aaron Cunningham the first goal at the new stadium. As of December 2017, the cost of the redevelopment was reportedly €86.4 million (approximately €23m over the planned budget), which included the cost of development of two covered stands, and two uncovered terrace ends. The updated stadium also has four 35-space dressing rooms with under-floor heating, physio, warm-up, drug-testing, referee, and first aid rooms. By December 2018, stadium commercial director Peter McKenna declared that
3540-534: Was the hero of the day and he contributed greatly to Cork's 2–13 to 1–2 victory. It was a third successive All-Ireland medal for Murphy. Five-in-a-row proved to be a bridge too far for Cork, however, the team returned in 1946. A 3–8 to 1–3 defeat of Limerick gave Murphy his fourth Munster medal. Under the captaincy of Christy Ring , Cork subsequently faced old rivals Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final. While some had written off Cork's chances, they took an interval lead of four points. When ten minutes remained Cork's lead
3600-417: Was the man-in-the-middle for the All-Ireland senior final once again as Tipperary took their second consecutive title. In 1952 he again refereed for the National League final. Murphy was also a popular referee on the local club scene around Munster. He took charge of numerous club championship deciders in Cork and Tipperary. Murphy was still a teenager when he became involved in the administrative affairs of
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