Interim examiner appointed to Cork retailer Cummins Sports 

An interim examiner has been appointed to long-standing Cork retailer Cummins Sports.

The historic brand, co-founded by former GAA star Kevin Cummins, has had John Russell of Baker Tilly appointed as interim examiner, with the High Court to hear a petition on Wednesday.

Founded more than 50 years ago in 1971, Cummins Sports has remained closely linked to its GAA heritage, producing its own sliotars which have been used in All-Ireland Hurling Championship Finals since 1976.

However, recent years have seen the Cork retailer struggle with economic shocks and a surge in online competitors, with the company generating losses since 2023.

Stores closed 

The retailer has also closed its two flagship city centre stores in recent years, shutting the doors to its first ever store on Princes Street in 2023. Just last month, Cummins Sports closed two more stores, leaving Castlewest Shopping Centre in Ballincollig, as well as exiting its long-standing North Main Street store.

The North Main Street closure marked the end of a 30-year relationship with the busy city centre site, with the retailer shifting its focus to stores in high-performing shopping centres and regional locations.

The Little Island-headquartered company has four brick-and-mortar stores left, located at Douglas Court, Blackpool Shopping Centre, Fermoy and Midleton. The company also employs around 100 employees across the business.

Recent years have also seen the retailer invest heavily in expanding its e-commerce platform.

But changing consumer habits has put further pressure on the struggling sports business. In its most recent financial statement, filed in September last year, Cummins Sports reported a loss of €732,700 in the 12 months of February 2025.

Difficult trading conditions

The company said the losses were sustained due to difficult trading conditions in the retail sector, as well as ongoing pressure from online competitors.

However, it noted that the directors of the company, Kevin Cummins and Brendan Cummins, expected the general level of activity to continue for the foreseeable future.

"The directors are striving to maintain turnover at current levels, achieve current gross profit margins and reduce overheads," Cummins Sports Ltd said.

The petition for the appointment of an examiner to Cummins Sports Limited and Sliotar Sports Limited will be heard at the High Court this Wednesday as the companies seek to find a way forward despite recent struggles.

Cummins Sports has been contacted for comment.