Cork Athletic Grounds

The Cork Athletic Grounds was a GAA stadium where major hurling and football matches were played. Situated in the Ballintemple area of Cork in Ireland, it was the home of Cork GAA between 1903 and 1974. The stadium was demolished in 1974 and replaced by Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

History

In late 1902 a fresh attempt was made by the Cork County Board to provide Cork coty with a proper athletic stadium. A new company, the Cork Athletic Grounds Committee Ltd., was established under the chairmanship of James Crosbie. The county board invested £30 in the venture and a member of the board was appointed as a director. The subscriptions for the share capital reached satisfactory proportions and in early 1903 a lease for six acres was drawn up between the Cork Agricultural Society, the Cork Corporation and the Cork County Board traesurer John FitzGerald. The stadium was initially intended to cater for all sports and it was even earmarked to hold a rugby union international between Ireland and Wales. Over time the Athletic Grounds were used exclusively for Gaelic games.