Cork Super Cup expected to provide €6 million economic boost

Kenneth Fox

Businesses around Cork are expected to benefit from a potential €6 million boost as soccer fans flock to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the Cork Super Cup.

The event will see Scottish Premiership Champions Celtic FC travel to take on Cork City FC in a pre-season friendly at 6pm on July 8th, 2025.

Organisers have been engaging with local businesses, including those in the hospitality sector, as the event will bring significant numbers of visitors to Cork city and county.

The Cork Super Cup is a joint initiative between Cork GAA and sports marketing agency Druid Sport to bring another record-breaking mid-summer event to the stadium.

The match will only be the fourth ever soccer match to be staged at the historic grounds, and the first competitive men’s game.

Kevin O’Donovan, chief executive of Cork GAA said: “It’s fantastic to welcome football giants Celtic FC and our own local soccer club, Cork City FC, to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for what is promising to be a really exciting evening of sport and family fun.

"The launch of the Cork Super Cup was well received locally and we have been getting a lot of support from businesses across all sectors including retail, hospitality and transport. Events such as this generate important funds for the stadium to be enjoyed by all.”

Conor Healy, chief executive of Cork Chamber said: “Events like the Cork Super Cup are critically important for Cork’s business community, providing a welcome boost to the local economy. Such events also serve to enhance Cork’s competitive offering, showcasing the very best of what the region has to offer to visitors and locals alike.”

The winners will lift a specially commissioned Cork Super Cup trophy, designed by former Cork GAA legend Ger McCarthy.

Iarnród Éireann has updated its schedule to facilitate those travelling to the game with the last service from Cork Kent to Dublin Heuston now departing at 21:25pm on the day. This train will also stop at Mallow, Limerick Junction, Thurles and Portlaoise.

There will also be a late train to Limerick, leaving Kent Station at 21:25pm while match goers from Kerry will be able to avail of the Tralee train, leaving Kent Station at 20:55pm.