Flower Lodge - The Root Of It All

For many years Cork was lucky to have two fine League of Ireland grounds in the shape of Turners Cross and Flower Lodge, although the latter was said to have the best playing surface in the country which says something when Turners Cross was built upon a former market garden! Despite the Cross now being the home, and heart and soul, of Cork City FC, it was actually Flower Lodge that seemed to be destined to be the club's home as the 1980s drew to a close.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, at the end of the 1940s, had formed a committee to find a site for their football club to play on. By the late 1950s Flower Lodge, the name of the former house on the site, was in service, its development having been funded by public subscription with the intention that the ground always be kept for sporting (re football) use. This side of the ground's history is well documented by Plunkett Carter and more can be read here: http://www.corkpastandpresent.ie/cultureincork/sport/soccer/athletichibsandceltic/

The final years of the ground's existence as a venue for football, notably League of Ireland football, it's sale, and purchase by the GAA, are nowhere near as well documented as the details are far murkier. The AOH, by 1987 reduced to a committee of 8 men who would make the final decision over the future of the delipidated ground upon its sale, are almost impossible to trace this far removed in time. However, despite the obstacles, the real story of Bishopstown cannot be told without some reference to the Lodge.

The research on this is currently ongoing so I will leave you with a scan of the Evening Echo from July 28 1987 when it was announced the Lodge was to be sold. Enjoy.

All information is very much welcomed, simply leave a comment!