Taoiseach Micheál Martin Opens Cork Centre Of Excellence
4th October 2025 By The Editor

CORK (October 4, 2025) – Munster Rugby have today officially opened the province’s Cork Centre of Excellence at Virgin Media Park.
Click here for a selection of photos from the official opening.
The new Centre of Excellence, which is a key strategic objective, was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD.
The €7.3 million facility represents Munster Rugby’s second-largest capital project ever, after the redevelopment of Thomond Park in 2008.
The facility, which includes a world-class indoor rugby dome and 50x40m training pitch, and a large 2500 sq ft gym, will help grow the game and increase participation numbers in the province.
The Cork Centre of Excellence is a huge investment in the grassroots and community game and the project will provide additional support for clubs and schools.
It will also significantly support the Munster Rugby boys and girls age-grade programmes and player pathway programme.
The new Centre of Excellence, which was built by Cumnor Construction, will also cater for the local community, including clubs, schools, community centre members, active adult groups and youth groups.
Developing domestic game infrastructure across the province is a key priority in Munster Rugby’s Strategic Plan.
Munster Rugby are very grateful for the support from the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Without the €2.7 Million from the LSSIF, the province would not be in a position to proceed with the Centre of Excellence.
The province would also like to thank the IRFU for making a financial contribution to the project.
Work on the project was completed late last month with the transfer of operations from the old offices at the Tramore Road side of the ground taking place last week.
In attendance at today’s opening ceremony to mark the beginning of an important chapter in Munster Rugby’s history were special guests, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, Charlie McConalogue TD, the Lord Mayor of Cork along with dignitaries from the IRFU and Munster Rugby.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, commented: “The opening of the Munster Rugby Centre of Excellence marks a significant milestone for sport in this province. As one of Munster’s major capital developments, it stands as a clear reflection of the ambition, pride and long-term vision that define Munster Rugby.
“The programme for Government has set ambitious targets to ensure we invest in not only grassroots but also in high performance. This project exemplifies how grassroots and high performance can be successfully combined in one project. The return on investment is clearly evident with a strong pathway programme and outstanding performances in the provincial, United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.
“This facility will ensure Munster remains a driving force in Irish and international rugby. It’s an exciting day for Munster, and for Irish sport.”
Minister of Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, said:
“I am delighted that my Department was in a position to provide funding for this magnificent project. This Large Scale investment highlights my Department’s and Government’s commitment to investing in sport as we are fully aware of the benefits that can be realised when we invest in our people. Munster’s strength has always come from its people – from the club members to the passionate supporters who fill stadiums. This facility is for them as much as it is for the players.”
Minister of State with Responsibility for Sport and Postal Policy, Charlie McConalogue TD, added:
“The Centre of Excellence is a testament to the power of sport to unite communities and develop talent. The Department is proud to have supported this transformative project through the LSSIF. I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Munster Rugby and the IRFU in delivering a facility that will benefit players, coaches and communities for years to come.”
Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan said: “Today marks a significant milestone for the province as we officially open our world-class Centre of Excellence in Cork. This is our largest capital investment after the redevelopment of Thomond Park and it demonstrates the value we place in our grassroots game and player pathways.
“A key strategic objective of ours is to invest in our domestic game infrastructure and build links with our community. We have invested in a facility that is both world-class and community-class – powered by clean energy. We are now looking to progress plans for a Centre of Excellence in Limerick which will be of huge benefit to the grassroots game there.
“Incredible levels of work have taken place behind the scenes to reach this point today and I would especially like to thank Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Ministers Patrick O’Donovan and Charlie McConalogue and the IRFU for their support in helping deliver this key piece of infrastructure.”
ENDS