The land was bought by the County Board in the 1960s.

Now Cork County GAA has applied for planning permission for a strategic housing development on the northern fringes of Cork city.

Should the application be successful, the site, next to the Old Whitechurch Road in Kilbarry, will then be sold to service the debts of Cork GAA.

The proposed development includes 319 homes, a créche and a riverside park, with 85 semi-detached houses, 118 terraced homes, 53 duplex units, and 63 apartments.

“There was also a hurley factory here which has now ceased trading,” said Marc Sheehan, chairman of Cork County GAA Board.

“There is no further requirement for playing fields in this area and the land has been zoned in recent times for mainly residential. The shortage of housing in Cork and across the country is well documented and this development could provide homes for hundreds of families in a great location.”

The site has the old Whitechurch Road to its west, the Cork North Business Park to the south, the existing GAA grounds of Delaney’s GAA Club to the east with the Glenamought River along the northern boundary.

Kevin O’Donovan, CEO of Cork GAA added, “This project is a key element of the financial security of Cork GAA and the ongoing stabilisation of our finances. We are hopeful that the process will be successful, and would like to thank Cork City Council for their constructive engagement on what is the best use for the site to meet the ongoing need for housing in Cork.”