Although the programme closed in 2023, approvals were still made after that date for several projects received before the deadline.

“We’re investing another €5m in the building (Páirc Uí Chaoimh) in the next couple of years through IIP funding,” Cork GAA chief executive Kevin O’Donovan told a packed Cork Chamber business breakfast at the stadium yesterday.

Mr O’Donovan discussed a variety of subjects at the chamber presentation, on and off the pitch, from premium ticket packages to stadium naming rights, from HawkEye technology to whether there should be a “decoupling” of Cork hurling and football.

He said that it remains “a pity” that the stadium debt enters so many conversations around Cork GAA. The Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium debt stood at €31m at the end of 2024.

“It’s €30m in round numbers on a €100m asset. We should be able to carry it. It’s not unreasonable,” he said. “The issue is, for a sporting organisation to pay it back is a major challenge. It’s two-thirds bank (loan), it’s one-third GAA. We’re bridging now and moving that into GAA debt as much as we can, with incredible support from people outside.”

Mr O’Donovan said plans to raise €6m, through the development of more than 300 homes on land outside Cork City, remain “alive and well” despite facing a judicial review.

In September 2024, An Bord Pleanála approved a planning application from Cork County Board for 319 homes at Kilbarry on Cork City’s northside.

The development plan is subject to a judicial review but the Cork GAA chief is confident it will reach a successful conclusion.

“Kilbarry is still alive and well,” said Mr O’Donovan. “There is a judicial review. The support we got from O’Flynn Group in particular is off the charts on that project. It has a value of €6m to €10m. We have a value of €6m on it, we hope to do better.”

Mr O’Donovan also said the Rebels Bounty prize draw, operating for five years, has been a resounding success, despite some misgivings. Rebels Bounty has generated €15m, with clubs making €10m, county board making €2.5m, and €2.5m paid out in prize money.

“The county board officers held their water and pushed it through a county board meeting when there wasn’t unanimous support for it. I know the clubs have reaped the bounty.”

Mr O’Donovan said that Cork GAA has enjoyed commercial success over the past five years, signing up 25 official partners. “It’s been a really, really fertile period,” he said.