Cork mascot competitions to run again across leagues

Running out in front of a packed SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the Cork kit is something that will remain an unfulfilled dream for many of us.

Beyond the players who carry those dreams, there is another cohort who can experience the thrill of taking to the sacred turf in red and white ahead of a home match – and the opportunity to do is once again at hand.

For the third successive Allianz Leagues campaign, Cork GAA and Sports Direct have teamed up, with six children to be chosen for each home game across the two codes.

First up is the chance to be mascots for Sunday’s double-header to open the leagues, with the Cork football team up against Cavan in Division 2 of the football and the hurlers clashing with Waterford in the hurling Division 1A.

The competition is open to those aged between eight and ten, with entry on their behalf by adults who follow the official Cork GAA and Sports Direct accounts on Instagram and like the relevant post while tagging a friend.

Cork County Board and their primary shirt sponsors have also confirmed the continuation of their boot partnership, allowing the county’s players to choose the footwear that best suits them.

According to the press release, “This continuing partnership between Sports Direct and Cork GAA reflects a shared commitment to excellence in a high-performance environment with player welfare at its core and long-term success in both codes as its ultimate goal.

“Cork players will benefit from access to the Sports Direct Boot Room, a specialist destination offering expert advice, detailed product knowledge and one of the most comprehensive football boot ranges available in Ireland.
“Leading global brands such as adidas, Nike and Puma are all available to Corks hurlers and footballers, along with many others.”

Sports Direct’s managing director in Ireland, Leonard Brassell, said: “Supporting players with top-brand football boots as part of our partnership with Cork GAA is hugely important to us.

“This partnership is not just a badging exercise – we genuinely get behind and champion the players. Providing the right footwear helps players focus on performance, confidence and results on the field.”

From the players’ point of view, the benefits are numerous too, as football goalkeeper Micheál Aodh Martin outlined: “With the Allianz League about to commence, we will be travelling all over the country with four trips away, playing on a variety of different pitches.

“Knowing that Sports Direct provides us with the best boots on the market helps us face into the year ahead with even more confidence. We’re all chasing excellence, and this partnership plays a big part in that.”