All About Cork: Fans urged to roar for the Rebels at Fanzone at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Cork hurling fans unable to get a ticket for next Sunday’s All-Ireland final have been urged to “come down and roar for the Rebels” following the announcement that the Rebels’ Fanzone will make a welcome return to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the match.

The highly anticipated match between Cork and Tipperary will kick off at 3.30pm at Croke Park, with thousands expected to flood the stands in support of both the Rebels and the Premier County players.

With demand for tickets to witness the showdown of this historic rivalry at an all-time high, calls for the return of the free family-friendly Rebels’ Fanzone had been made by GAA supporters across Cork.

Pat Horgan, chairperson of Cork GAA, confirmed earlier this week that the event will be held on Sunday at the grounds in Ballintemple to facilitate those who could not secure a ticket to the final.

The Rebels’ Fanzone will be a fully ticketed and alcohol-free event, with the match shown on big screens for spectators enjoyment.

Entertainment before and after the game will be provided, and children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

Speaking to The Echo, Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, said the event provides audience members with the opportunity to tap into the “sense of passion and pride” that will be palpable at Croke Park.

“To reach the All-Ireland Hurling final again is a fantastic achievement and demand for tickets for Croke Park is really high,” said Mr McCarthy.

“It is always a great feeling to shout passionately for Cork with other Corkonians.

“That is why the fanzone is a really great idea between Cork City Council and the GAA.

“It gives many people, especially families, who can’t get tickets, to come and support Cork in a safe controlled space, but also plugging into the sense of passion and pride we all as Corkonians have for the Cork team.”

Labour Party councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Peter Horgan, who attended last year’s Rebels’ Fanzone event, said he is looking forward to seeing the clash between Cork and Tipperary on the big screen once again.

“This is a wonderful achievement by Cork City Council to arrange the Fanzone again with Cork GAA,” said Mr Horgan.

“Not everyone can travel to Croke Park, and for those, especially with children like myself, this is the next best thing.

“It is sure to be a corker of an event and I would urge families to apply for their free tickets.

“Come down and roar for the Rebels; especially Blackrock’s Alan Connolly, Robbie Cotter, and Wayne Sherlock.”

Fianna Fáil councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Mary Rose Desmond, said “great credit is due to Cork GAA and Cork City Council for working together on this event”.

“It’s wonderful to see the Rebels’ Fanzone return this year,” said Ms Desmond.

“It is particularly welcome when we all know that it isn’t possible to meet the ticket demand of Cork supporters.

“It is also an affordable option for families to feel part of the whole All-Ireland experience.

“Whether you’re in the Fanzone or in Croke Park one thing is for sure, we will all be cheering on the Cork team who have given us a wonderful summer so far, and who can hopefully bring the Liam McCarthy cup back to the Rebel County.”

Fine Gael councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Des Cahill, said: “It’s great to see this again this year.

“Thanks to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, there will be 20,000 fans cheering on the brilliant Cork hurlers to take the title home.”

Tickets, free of charge, for the Rebels’ Fanzone will be available online from 7.30am today via Cork GAA’s website: www.gaacork.ie, Cork City Council’s website: www.corkcity.ie and from Eventmaster.ie.

Tickets will be limited to a maximum of five per person as capacity is limited.

A transfer and cancellation window, allowing people to cancel or transfer some of their tickets, will be open until midnight on Saturday.

Helping hands for clean-up

Blackrock CleanUp Group

Members from the Blackrock CleanUp Group recently took part in a Clean Coasts clean-up initiative. The clean up, which took place last weekend, saw 10 members come together to collect 11 bags of litter around Blackrock.

In a post on social media, a spokesperson for the group thanked the volunteers for their support, and reminded members of the public that the next clean-up will take place on August 9.

212 bus route update

Due to ongoing roadworks in Cork city centre, representatives at Bus Éireann are advising customers to expect a disruption to services along the 212 bus route from Kent Station to Mahon Point. Customers are being reminded that the 247811 bus stop at Clontarf Street will remain closed due to the works for approximately one week.

To prevent a delay in accessing services, 212 bus route users are asked to attend the 212631 bus stop at Kent Rail Station, and the 237061 bus stop at Victoria Road, until the reopening of the Clontarf Street location.

For up to date information on service disruptions, visit: https://www.buseireann.ie.

Rainbow Club raffle

The Rainbow Club Cork is reminding people to enter their online raffle, where one lucky entrant can win two tickets to see Oasis play live in Dublin this August from a private hospitality suite in Croke Park on August 17. The draw, organised by Denis O’Carroll and DOC’s Tours, is available to enter until 6pm on August 14.

Tickets to enter the draw are priced from €20 for 200 entries, with all proceeds going towards the Rainbow Club in Mahon.

The winner of the draw will be contacted directly via email on the day of closing.

Enter the competition at: tinyurl.com/3tzdks3n.

New director of safeguarding

The Diocese of Cork and Ross has appointed former garda, Des Cahill, as the diocesan director of safeguarding. In this position, Mr Cahill is responsible for planning and managing the diocesan safeguarding service, with a particular focus on developing, maintaining, and monitoring a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults.

He will oversee all safeguarding training and ensure the safeguarding message is effectively communicated across the diocese, promoting best practice in every parish and ministry, including the areas of Mahon, Blackrock, Blackrock Road and Ballinlough.

Wellness morning at market

A free wellness morning event at the Black Market in Ballintemple, which aims to spread mental health awareness, will take place on July 27 from 9am to 11am.

Activities on the day will include a mental health workshop with qualified counsellor Candace Davey, which will focus on bettering your mental health, as well as a Yin Yoga class with trauma informed yoga teacher Jo, to promote wellbeing and balance.

Prior booking is essential by contacting event hosts, Shine A Light, via their email:
shinealightcork@gmail.com.