John Mullins remembered as proud GAA man as new trophy honours his legacy

John Mullins’ sudden passing on April 14th, 2025 left Cork GAA without one of its most loyal supporters and most effective contributors. 

In the months since, the depth of affection for him has been unmistakable. He was remembered not only as a proud GAA man, but as someone whose pride in Cork, in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and in the communities of East Cork shaped everything he touched.

Those who worked alongside him at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh spoke with particular emotion. As a board member, John was described as a constant presence — dependable, sharp, and utterly committed to the stadium’s future.

At the recent presentation of a new trophy in his honour, Cork GAA chairman Pat Horgan captured the feeling in the room.

“John is a legend in this building,” he said.

“He will never be forgotten in this building because of what he done for the Cork County Board. It is a great gesture to give us this magnificent cup in John’s honour.

“He was a great character. There was a great bit of jovial in him. The one thing about John is that there was no task too big for him.” 

John’s work on the SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh naming rights sponsorship deal was singled out as one of his standout achievements. 

It was a complex, high-stakes project, but those involved said he approached it with calmness, diligence, and an understanding of what the stadium meant to Cork people.

His family spoke movingly about his love for Cork GAA. He was a regular in the premium section at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, often bringing his father, Pat, along to matches.

“We’re very proud of John,” his family said.

“We’re very proud of everything John achieved, and we’re very proud of John’s association with Cork GAA.” 

In honour of that lifelong connection, the Mullins family presented a new trophy to the Cork County Board — a gesture described as “a magnificent cup in John’s honour.” 

It will be awarded annually to the winners of the RedFM Division 3 Hurling League, ensuring his name remains part of Cork hurling for generations to come.

Blarney became the first club to lift the trophy last Friday, marking the beginning of a legacy that will grow year by year.