Páirc Uí Chaoimh renaming: Public backlash has shown Cork GAA that money isn't everything

The news broke earlier this week that Páirc Uí Chaoimh was to be renamed SuperValu Páirc.

According to reports, following a behind-closed-doors meeting of delegates on Tuesday, this decision has since been stalled following the backlash on social media.

People have argued that the historic stadium should not be renamed due to its legacy.

Yesterday, Tánaiste Micheál Martin took to the social platform 'X' to post: "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."

Renowned sports stadiums across Ireland and beyond have been rebranded and renamed due to sponsorship reasons but money is not everything at the end of the day.

The history of the stadium is the most important factor to many people, especially the Cork public in this case. 

Families have been attending fixtures at Páirc Uí Chaoimh since it was originally opened in 1976; making memories of watching their favourite teams in action at the renowned venue.

Another example of such a sponsorship deal in Irish sport was the naming of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Generations of Republic of Ireland and Irish Rugby fans had been supporting their national team in Lansdowne Road, which was demolished in 2007.

Many supporters still call the stadium Lansdowne Road for the heritage factor which, I'd imagine, would be the case for Páirc Uí Chaoimh, if a sponsorship deal does go through.

The public backlash has shown Cork GAA that the game is more than money. The passion of the fans should triumph over a renaming deal which would see the organisation receive between €250,000 and €300,000 a year - according to reports.

Pádraig Ó Caoimh's grandson Dónal also expressed his concern about the sponsorship deal on RTÉ Radio 1.

He said: "I'm shocked and saddened that SuperValu would consider making the eradication of my grandfather’s legacy a condition of sponsorship.

"He (Padraig O'Caoimh) meant so much to so many people".

It remains to be seen what Cork GAA will follow through with as the discussions with SuperValu continue, but the backlash has been enough to put a halt on proceedings, for now.