Celtic FC Set to Bring €6 Million Economic Boost to Cork in July Super Cup Clash
Celtic FC travel to Cork for historic clash with Cork City FC at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 8 July. €6m boost expected for local businesses.
Scottish Premiership champions Celtic FC will travel to Cork for a historic pre-season friendly against Cork City FC at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 8 July 2025, with local businesses expected to benefit from a significant €6 million economic boost as supporters flock to the Rebel County.
The Cork Super Cup, kicking off at 6pm, represents only the fourth soccer match ever staged at the iconic GAA grounds and marks the first competitive men's football game at the venue. The event is a joint initiative between Cork GAA and sports marketing agency Druid Sport, designed to bring another record-breaking summer spectacle to the stadium.
Local businesses across Cork city and county are already preparing for the influx of visitors, with organisers actively engaging the hospitality, retail and transport sectors to maximise the economic opportunities.
Kevin O'Donovan, CEO 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."
Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, welcomed the event's potential impact:
"We are very lucky in Cork City to have a venue such as SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and I would like to congratulate Cork GAA on bringing another big event to the city this summer. The Cork Super Cup will provide a boost to the local economy as well as an enjoyable evening for sport fans, young and old alike."
The business community has expressed strong support for the initiative. Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, emphasised:
"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."
Seamus Heaney of Pure Cork highlighted the broader regional appeal:
"The Cork Super Cup is another exciting event in the summer calendar and is bringing visitors to Cork City from all around Cork county, Munster and the rest of Ireland as well as the UK. It is an opportunity for businesses to showcase the best of Cork whether that's in food, music, retail or visitor attractions."
To accommodate travelling supporters, Iarnród Éireann has extended its schedule with the last service from Cork Kent to Dublin Heuston departing at 21:25 on match day, calling at Mallow, Limerick Junction, Thurles and Portlaoise. A late service to Limerick will also depart Kent Station at 21:25, while Kerry supporters can catch the Tralee train leaving at 20:55.
The winners will lift a specially commissioned Cork Super Cup trophy, designed by former Cork GAA legend Ger McCarthy.
Very limited stand tickets remain available through CorkSuperCup.com/tickets or directly from ticketmaster.ie. Follow updates on Instagram @corksupercup and Facebook /CorkSuperCupOfficial.
