Cork Super Cup to generate €6 million for Cork economy

Businesses around Cork are expected to benefit from a potential €6m boost through the Cork Super Cup in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Scottish Premiership football champions Celtic FC will take on Cork City FC in a pre-season friendly at 6pm on July 8.

Organisers have been engaging with local businesses, including in the hospitality sector, as the event is expected to bring significant numbers of visitors to Cork.

The cup is a joint initiative between Cork GAA and sports marketing agency Druid Sport, and will be the first competitive men’s soccer game to be played at the ground.

Kevin O’Donovan, CEO of Cork GAA, said that “the launch of the Cork Super Cup was well received locally, and we have been getting a lot of support from businesses across all sectors, including retail, hospitality, and transport.

“Events such as this generate important funds for the stadium to be enjoyed by all.”

Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, also welcomed the initiative.

“Events like the Cork Super Cup are critically important for Cork’s business community, providing a welcome boost to the local economy. Such events also serve to enhance Cork’s competitive offering, showcasing the very best of what the region has to offer to visitors and locals alike.”

The winners will lift a specially commissioned Cork Super Cup trophy, designed by former Cork GAA legend Ger McCarthy.

Séamus Heaney, of Pure Cork, said that the Super Cup “is bringing visitors to Cork City from all around Cork county, Munster, and the rest of Ireland, as well as the UK”.

“It is an opportunity for businesses to showcase the best of Cork, whether that’s in food, music, retail, or visitor attractions,” he added.

Iarnród Éireann has updated its schedule to facilitate those travelling to the game, with later services from Cork Kent to Dublin Heuston, to Limerick, and Tralee.

There are very limited stand tickets available for the Cork Super Cup, on CorkSuperCup.com or from ticketmaster.ie.