Cork City Sports celebrates another landmark year

With another edition of the Cork City Sports wrapped up, Communications Officer Donal Murnane reflected on what was a hugely successful and memorable evening of athletics – held in blistering summer heat on Wednesday, July 9.

Now in its 71st year, the Cork City Sports has long been a fixture in the city’s sporting calendar. For Murnane, the event is not just about world-class competition – it’s about legacy, community, and pride of place.

“It’s our 71st year, so it’s a phenomenal tradition for the city and county,” he said. “There are so many great memories over the years with Sonia O’Sullivan, Marcus O’Sullivan, the world records back then in the hammer throw in the Mardyke, all the greats have run there over the years – and they continue to do so which is fantastic.” 

This year’s meet was no different. With a near sell-out crowd at the MTU Athletics Stadium, the atmosphere was electric as local and international talent took to the track. For Murnane and the organising committee, the support from the athletics community was hugely encouraging.

“It's hugely important. You have the local Irish international athletes, who are off competing around Europe all the time,” he added. “Their friends and family rarely get to see them compete in international fields. 

Bringing it to Cork and having Phil Healy and Nicola Tuthill out there performing in front of their friends, families and local communities against international athletes – it’s very special. 

For Murnane and his team, their involvement is rooted in a deep love for the sport – a passion that has only grown over decades of supporting Irish athletes.

“Number one, we’re athletics fans. We know all these Irish athletes because we’re involved in athletics for many, many years. We see them grow and develop as international athletes and compete on the international stage.

“They think it’s very special to come home and compete in Cork, and that’s what makes it very special for us to be able to facilitate that.” 

And while much of the attention goes to race winners and headline performances, Murnane was keen to emphasise that success in athletics is personal – and that even those further down the results sheet often hit major milestones.

“You might think some athletes have lost out – but the guy who came last in the men’s 200m A race was an Irish guy,” he explained. “He set a PB, so even though he didn’t feature in the race, it was still very important for him. To be in that field, to be up against those in the international field, and he ran faster than he had ever run before. So, the position doesn’t matter.” 

This ethos – one of shared support and mutual respect – is something Murnane sees as central to athletics culture.

“Everybody is there together; everybody is mixing. Everyone is supporting every athlete regardless of their club. It is very much a community type of affair when you’re involved in athletics.”