Cork Braces for Traffic Disruption as Europe's Largest Children's Athletics Event Returns
6,000 children compete tomorrow at Europe's largest one-day children's athletics meet - Cork Primary School Sports at MTU Bishopstown, 10am-5.30pm. Heavy traffic expected.
Tomorrow marks the 101st running of the Cork Primary School Sports, with 6,000 children from across Cork set to compete at Munster Technological University (MTU) in Bishopstown from 10am to 5.30pm.
The event, which has been running annually since 1924 except during the war years, is recognised as the biggest track and field athletics competition in Europe held on a single day. Heavy traffic is expected throughout Thursday, with motorists advised to avoid the area if possible.
Traffic Management in Place
Gardaí have implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan for the day. Parents and spectators must approach MTU via the N40/N22, taking Junction Number 1 and following a designated route through Model Farm Road to the Melbourne entrance. Car access will be restricted to Melbourne Road only, with all vehicles directed to car parks around the MTU grounds before exiting via Rossa Avenue.
Buses face separate arrangements, with drop-off at Point A on Rossa Avenue and collection at Point B outside the Melbourne Building. No parking or waiting facilities will be available for buses on campus.
Century of Athletic Excellence
The Cork Primary School Sports were founded by teachers J.J. Fennessy from St. Patrick's BNS, Joe Donoghue from Douglas, and Dinny Kelly from Glasheen and Togher. Originally held at the Mardyke, the event moved to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the late 1970s due to growing numbers, before relocating to CIT (now MTU) in 2015 during the stadium's refurbishment.
Schools compete in sections based on size and previous year's results, with winners progressing to county finals across different age groups. Historic trophies including the Dean Sexton Cup and the I.N.T.O. cup (a replica of the Ardagh Chalice) await successful competitors.
The event continues to be organised entirely by primary school teachers on a voluntary basis, with approximately 200 teacher-stewards managing the day's proceedings. Current chairperson Micheál Ó Draighneáin and secretary Cranait Fahy lead the organising committee, whilst treasurer Arlene Wiseman oversees the self-financing operation funded through school ticket sales.
Children have already competed in qualifying heats at their schools to earn their place at tomorrow's competition, which will see boys compete in the morning and girls in the afternoon across sprint and relay events.
