The real story of how Cork GAA bought Flower Lodge

It wasn’t just one of the deals of the century for Cork GAA — those of a soccer persuasion believed the 1989 purchase by Cork County Board of the old Flower Lodge was also the steal of the century.

Only now, some 35 years later, have the full details emerged of how Cork GAA pulled off one of the great coups by purchasing what is now Páirc Ui Rinn from the Ancient Order of Hibernian for around £240,000 — despite Cork City FC appearing certainties to take ownership of a stadium steeped in local football history.

In a rare interview, published in tomorrow’s Irish Examiner, Cork GAA secretary Frank Murphy tells how Cork GAA lodged a pair of secret bids through firms of solicitors to ensure the vendors were unaware of their identity.