Páirc Uí Chaoimh's €96m cost 'not a bad outcome' insists GAA chief Ryan

“Interestingly enough, when you reflect on the cost of potentially some other projects that are ahead of us, it doesn't look like necessarily a bad outcome,” Tom Ryan stated.

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024 - 18:01

John Fogarty

The projected cost of SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh is now in excess of €96 million but is “increasingly looking like it was value for money”, GAA director general Tom Ryan has said.

Three years ago, Ryan revealed the €96m figure and that has since increased as Cork GAA face stadium debts of over €30m. However, in the context of quotes for future capital projects the €96m-plus total is reasonable, he claimed.

“Interestingly enough, when you reflect on the cost of potentially some other projects that are ahead of us, it doesn't look like necessarily a bad outcome,” Ryan stated. “It's there, it's well used, it's to a high standard.

“Spectators and players alike are enjoying it. So it's been a good outcome for us, notwithstanding the cost. And it's increasingly looking like it was value for money.”

Both Ryan and GAA president Larry McCarthy expressed satisfaction that Cork GAA recently finalised the naming rights of the Ballintemple stadium. McCarthy was pleased the 10-year agreement for the new title incorporating both the company and venue’s old name won’t impact the amount the board would have received had the Ó Caoimh name been removed.

“Very happy that the income to the Cork County Board hasn’t changed. There was a reaction to it and they came to a compromise at the end of the day which suited both parties. From our perspective, the income there is going to help the Cork County Board. The Cork County Board are happy as a consequence of that.”

Asked if he was also happy that the Ó Caoimh name was retained, Cork-born McCarthy remarked: “The Ó Caoimh family are happy.”

Meanwhile, the GAA are not contemplating selling the naming rights to Croke Park. “We have no ambitions in that direction,” Ryan added. “We have had no discussions about it.”