18-07-2025
Cork people give their views on renaming of redeveloped city centre park
Corkonians have been vocal in their criticism of proposals to rename the city's Bishop Lucey Park amid concerns that a change may undermine their city's historical integrity.
Passers-by near the amenity made their feelings known to the Irish Examiner following its closure to the public in December 2023 for redevelopment.
Councillors in Cork City Hall recently voted 17-11 to approve a section 140 motion submitted by Workers' Party councillor Ted Tynan, Green Party councillor Oliver Moran, and Social Democrats councillor Niamh O'Connor, calling for the renaming process.
Mr Tynan said much of the documented clerical abuse — sexual, physical, or psychological — occurred during Bishop Lucey's time, both as a serving priest and as bishop of the Diocese of Cork and Ross from his appointment in 1952 until his retirement in 1980.
Fianna Fáil councillor Terry Shannon objected to the move, criticising what he described as 'this headlong rush to change for, what many people, are the old certainties'.
Delia Manning: 'The name should stay as it is.' Picture: Chani Anderson
Some people on the streets of Cork shared his views, including Delia Manning. 'Absolutely not,' Delia told this newspaper.
'The name should stay as it is. Bishop Lucey Park is here as long as it is and people are familiar with it.
Why change it when it's part of Cork City? I say leave it as it is. We are all familiar with it and I'd like to see it stay that way.
Ken Aherne was also taken aback by the proposals.
'Historically, it's known as Bishop Lucey Park. I don't see a particular need to change it. I'm one of those people who believes that cities have their own individual histories and these histories should be preserved where possible. There is no need for a name change.'
He said that while he has no objections to 'Páirc na mBan Chorcaí' - a name suggested by Workers' Party councillor Ted Tynan - he feels it may not resonate, given the location.
'Places like Bessborough, where women really suffered, is where these tributes should be. I don't think Bishop Lucey Park has any connections like that.'
Ken Aherne: 'I don't see a particular need to change it.' Picture: Chani Anderson
Meanwhile, Lee O'Keeffe said he doesn't feel the proposed new name makes sense.
'I don't think the name should be changed but if it is to be renamed, I don't think it should be Páirc na mBan Chorcaí. I think something more relevant to the area would work better.
"Something like UCC Páirc might make sense since Western Road is close to the park.'
Some admitted they knew little about the bishop it was named after.
Tony Kelliher: 'I don't have a problem with it staying the same and I don't have a problem with it changing either.' Picture: Chani Anderson
Tony Kelleher added: 'I wouldn't know much about the man really but it's a traditional thing and that's what it's always been known as. I don't have a problem with it staying the same and I don't have a problem with it changing either.
"I certainly have no problem with it being changed to Páirc na mBan Chorcaí. Why not?'
Ruby Poland said she is supportive of a name change.
Ruby Poland: 'Good to have less ties to Catholicism in the city.' Picture: Chani Anderson
'I suppose it's good to have less ties to Catholicism in the city,' she told the Irish Examiner.
I think we need a better name to represent us as Irish people rather than Catholics. The proposed new name is a lot more inclusive so it's better for women.
Denis Ryan, however, was keen to retain the name.
'Even though I'm new to Cork I'd keep it the same. I don't think I'd want to see a change.'
Bishop Lucey became Bishop of Cork in 1952, with the diocese of Ross added six years later.
He built five new churches named after the five Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary in the city's rapidly developing suburbs, and went on to oversee the foundation of 13 churches during his time as bishop.
The historical figure set up St Anne's Adoption Society in 1954 and started the Cork diocesan mission to Peru in the mid-1960s.
He died in 1982, and the park was named in his honour when it opened in 1985 as part of Cork 800 celebrations.
