Operation #MunsterInThePáirc

 

Preparations are in full swing for the second-ever rugby match at a sold-out SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday as Munster face Crusaders in Cork, in association with Pinergy.

A unique event, the sell-out game will see 40,885 supporters make their way to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the second-largest attendance at a rugby game in the province.

With lots of work going on behind-the-scenes to prepare for the game, see some of the key info ahead of the big event below.

We will have full supporter matchday information covering all operational details ahead of the game shortly.

The game kicks off at 5pm on Saturday, February 3, with live TV coverage on TG4 from 4.30pm. Access Munster will also be broadcasting our first video watchalong at the game with former Munster and Ireland centre Barry Murphy and commentator Dan Mooney guiding you through the action.

Coverage will start from 4.50pm and you can sign up to Access Munster for just €4 here.

Did you know?

  • This will be the first-ever meeting of Munster and Crusaders.
  • The Crusaders will be led by former Munster Head Coach Rob Penney. Munster prop Oli Jager joined from the Crusaders in November after winning seven Super Rugby titles with the side.
  • The goal posts in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh are not fit for a rugby game. Like last year, the goal posts will be removed from Thomond Park and transported to the venue this week. The Virgin Media Park posts were not an option due to different fittings.
  • GAA pitches are much larger than rugby pitches. Sponsorship hoarding boards will be placed inside the bowl to create the pitch perimeter and replicate the smaller rugby area.
  • Match clocks will be installed in the corners as the scoreboard clock in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh runs without stoppages.
  • The stadium is located in a residential area and there will be road closures in place with full details to follow later this week.
  • Additional temporary lighting will be added to the routes in and out of the stadium.
  • Munster will wear our new adidas home kit and Crusaders will wear their black away jersey.

Would you like to advertise in our National League Programme?

Cork GAA extends a warm invitation to businesses interested in advertising in our match programmes for the upcoming Allianz Hurling and Football games at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Boost your brand’s visibility during these exciting events and connect with fans as we gear up for the following games:

  • Saturday, 10th February 2024: NHL vs Kilkenny at 7.30 pm
  • Saturday, 17th February 2024: NFL vs Cavan at 4 pm
  • Sunday, 25th February 2024: NHL vs Waterford at 3.45 pm
  • Sunday, 3rd March 2024: NFL vs Kildare at 3.30 pm
  • Saturday, 23rd March 2024: NFL vs Armagh at 7 pm

Be part of the action and showcase your support for the Cork GAA team by featuring your advertisement in our match programmes. Elevate your brand’s presence, engage with the local community, and seize this opportunity to connect with sports enthusiasts.

Advertisement Cost:

  • Full Page, One Game: €300
  • Full Page, All Five Games: €1250
  • Half Page, One Game: €200
  • Half Page, All Five Games: €850

For further information or to book your advertising space, please contact pro.cork@gaa.ie. The deadline for submitting advertisements is the Monday before the upcoming games. Join us in making these Allianz Leagues games memorable for both fans and businesses alike!

Cork GAA Coaching and Games Conference| A Day of Sporting Brilliance

Over a hundred delegates gathered for the Cork GAA Coaching and Games Annual Conference this past Saturday.

Our opening keynote speaker, Fiona Hayes, a former Irish rugby player and pivotal figure in Ireland’s Six Nations victories, currently coaches for Munster Women’s Rugby and UL Bohs Women’s Rugby. Fiona shared profound insights from her journey, emphasizing strategies for success both on and off the pitch. Notably, she highlighted the importance of a player-centered approach within coaching.

Next on the stage was Noel Furlong, the County Winning Manager of Castlelyons Hurling Team. Noel guided the delegates through his thoughts on maximizing players and exploring tactics within the game of hurling, sharing valuable insights from his coaching experience.

Our final keynote speaker was Steven Poacher, Head of PE at St Joseph’s Newry and a Gaelic Life Columnist. Steven provided a captivating glimpse into his coaching career, drawing from extensive experience in Carlow and Roscommon. In his role as a Leading Coach Educator, he offered invaluable perspectives for elevating coaching prowess in Gaelic Games.

The conference was expertly organized by Niall Twomny, Conor Couihan, Aidan O’Connell, and Cian O’Brien.

Opening league game defeat for footballers

 

Donegal 1-20 Cork 2-6

Cork faced a tough start in the Allianz Football League Division 2, losing to Donegal at MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey. Despite challenging conditions with rain and a strong wind, Donegal dominated the first half, leading 0-12 to 1-3 at halftime.

 

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Cork struggled to capitalize on opportunities against the wind, and Donegal’s efficient scoring set the tone for their victory. The match featured notable moments, including Eoghan McSweeney’s goal leveling the score for Cork, but Donegal’s response with three quick points reaffirmed their control.

In the second half, Cork, now aided by the wind, faced an uphill battle. Donegal continued their steady scoring, maintaining an eight-point lead. Cork managed a goal through Chris Óg Jones after a defensive mistake, narrowing the gap. However, Donegal sealed the game with Patrick McBrearty’s goal, securing a 1-18 to 2-5 victory in typical Donegal fashion.

Cork’s regrets lingered on missed opportunities in the challenging first half, while Donegal’s strategic play and McBrearty’s contributions ultimately decided the outcome. The match showcased Donegal’s proficiency in adverse conditions and their ability to capitalize on key moments.

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Cork have another away encounter in the next league game, a trip to Ardee next Sunday to face Louth with throw-in at 1pm.

Scorers for Donegal: P McBrearty 1-6 (0-6 f), O Doherty 0-3, D Ó Baoill 0-2, P Morgan, G Mulreany (f), B McCole, R McHugh, C McGonagle, C Thompson, S O’Donnell, J Brennan, D MacGiolla Bhride 0-1 each.

Cork: C Óg Jones 1-2, E McSweeney 1-0, B O’Driscoll 0-2, S Sherlock (f), M Cronin 0-1 each.

DONEGAL: G Mulreany; M Curran, B McCole, K McGettigan; R McHugh, C McGonagle, C Moore; C Thompson, D MacGiolla Bhride; P Morgan, O Doherty, S O’Donnell; P McBrearty, D Ó Baoill, J Brennan.

Subs: E Bán Gallagher for K McGettigan (23), O Caulfield for S O’Donnell, J MacCeallabhuí for O Doherty (both 54), L McGlynn for J Brennan (62), A Doherty for D Ó Baoill (66).

CORK: P Doyle (Knocknagree); M Shanley (Clonakilty), S Meehan (Kiskeam), T Walsh (Kanturk); L Fahy (Ballincollig), R Maguire (Castlehaven), M Taylor (Mallow); I Maguire (St Finbarr’s), C O’Callaghan (Éire Óg); E McSweeney (Knocknagree), D Buckley (Newcestown), B O’Driscoll (Tadhg MacCarthaigh); R Deane (Bantry Blues), B Hurley (Castlehaven), C Óg Jones (Iveleary).

Subs: D Cashman (Millstreet) for M Shanley (45), M Cronin (Nemo Rangers) for D Buckley (46), S Sherlock (St Finbarr’s) for B Hurley (50), F Herlihy (Dohenys) for R Deane (55), D O’Mahony (Knocknagree) for E McSweeney (63).

Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan).

The Cork Senior Football Team to play Donegal has been announced;

(1) Patrick Doyle (Knocknagree)
(2) Maurice Shanley (Clonakilty)
(3) Tommy Walsh (Kanturk)
(4) Sean Meehan (Kiskeam)
(5) Luke Fahy (Ballincollig)
(6) Rory Maguire (Castlehaven)
(7) Matty Taylor (Mallow)
(8) Ian Maguire (St Finbarrs)
(9) Colm O’Callaghan (Eire Og)
(10) Eoghan Mc Sweeney (Knocknagree)
(11) David Buckley (Newcestown)
(12) Brian O’Driscoll (Tadhg MacCarthaigh)
(13) Ruairi Deane (Bantry Blues)
(14) Conor Corbett (Clyda Rovers)
(15) Chris Og Jones (Iveleary)
(16) Christopher Kelly (Eire Og)
(17) Daniel O’Mahony (Knocknagree)
(18) Darragh Cashman (Millstreet)
(19) Kevin Flahive (Douglas)
(20) John O’Rourke (Carbery Rangers)
(21) Fionn Herlihy (Dohenys)
(22) Mark Cronin (Nemo Rangers)
(23) Cathal Maguire (Castlehaven)
(24) Blake Murphy (St Vincents)
(25) Steven Sherlock (St Finbarrs)                                                                                            (26) Brian Hurley (Castlehaven)