Cork GAA and Cork Opera House Unite to Celebrate Heritage and Community

As the 2025 GAA season gathers momentum, and Cork fans look forward to another memorable year supporting their club and county teams, Cork GAA is delighted to announce a new partnership with a famed Cork institution that has also provided many magical memories for its legions of devoted supporters.

This year, Cork Opera House celebrates its 170th anniversary. The remarkable longevity of the Opera House is testament to the central role it has played in the cultural life of Cork over several generations, and reflects the great pride that the people of Cork have in it.

To mark this significant anniversary, Cork GAA is formally joining with Cork Opera House in launching a new partnership. This development is only fitting, as it acknowledges the historic and enduring importance of these two great Cork institutions in the social and cultural fabric of the city and county, and the extraordinary contributions they have made to Cork people and their communities.

Welcoming the launch of the partnership, Cork GAA CEO Kevin O’Donovan highlighted the coming together of two entities with a similar vision for Cork, noting that “both Cork GAA and Cork Opera House have a common identity. Each is committed to promoting excellence in their respective fields, and to providing joy and entertainment for their followers. But more especially, they are also symbols of what it means to be from Cork, and their respective importance to the people of Cork has endured over many decades. We in Cork GAA are delighted to be associated with such a beloved Cork institution”.

At the announcement of the partnership, Eibhlín Gleeson, Cork Opera House CEO said “’We’re thrilled to team up with Cork GAA as we head into our 170th anniversary year. Both Cork Opera House and Cork GAA are at the heart of this city, bringing people together through tradition, passion, and community. It’s rare to see the world of sports and the arts come together like this, which makes this partnership really special. We’re proud to celebrate what makes Cork unique and look forward to working together throughout this milestone year and beyond.’

As the 2025 GAA season gathers momentum and our fans look forward to another memorable year supporting their club and county teams, Cork GAA are delighted to announce a new partnership with a famed Cork institution that has also provided many magical memories for its legions of devoted supporters.
This year, Cork Opera House celebrates its 170th anniversary. The remarkable longevity of the Opera House is testament to the central role it has played in cultural life in Cork over several generations, and reflects the great pride that the people of Cork have in it.
To mark this significant anniversary, Cork GAA is formally joining with Cork Opera House in launching a new partnership. This development is fitting, as it acknowledges the historic and enduring importance of these two great Cork institutions in the social and cultural fabric of the city and county, and the extraordinary contributions they have made to Cork people and their communities.
Welcoming the launch of the partnership, Cork GAA CEO, Kevin O’Donovan highlighted the coming together of two entities with a similar vision for Cork, noting that “both Cork GAA and Cork Opera House have a common identity. Each is committed to promoting excellence in their respective fields, and to providing joy and entertainment for their followers. But more especially, they are also symbols of what it means to be from Cork, and their respective importance to the people of Cork has endured over many decades. We in Cork GAA are delighted to be associated with such a beloved Cork institution”.
Cork GAA Commercial Director, Sinéad O’Keeffe highlighted the importance of both Cork GAA and Cork Opera House to the economic and commercial wellbeing of the city and county, observing that “Cork Opera House and SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh are both places that are an intrinsic part of the city landscape. As well as hosting significant events for Cork people to enjoy and savour, they are full of great memories and performances from the past that continue to inspire us. Long may both continue to play such a huge part in the sporting and cultural lives of Cork people”.

Laura Noonan, Partnerships and Development Manager, Cork Opera House said, “to see Cork Opera House and Cork GAA come together in this capacity is extraordinary. Throughout the enduring history of both organisations, legacy and tradition hold strong. Our longevity is a testament to our resilient spirit as a County. Working with Cork GAA to celebrate a staggering 170 years of Cork Opera House further strengthens our commitment to our community. Our combined effort to deliver top tier entertainment to the people of Cork and beyond is highlighted through this partnership. Together, we are Cork. Together, we are stronger”.