City Confirm The Crann Centre as Charity Partner for 2025

The Crann Centre, a charity providing whole-family support for adults, children and families living with neuro-physical disabilities, will be supported by Cork City FC for a third year in a row.  

Over 600 families from Cork and the Munster area have availed of the services at the Crann Centre with a 30% increase in session attendances last year. The charity, which is based in Ovens, is determined to meet community demand for its health and social care services for families in 2025. 

Dermot Usher, owner of Cork City FC, said: “We have had a really enjoyable partnership with the Crann Centre for the last two years and we are delighted to continue supporting them in 2025. We have seen first-hand the difference their supports and services are making to so many families and we want to help them to meet the demand on services and supports this year.” 

The partnership aims to create greater social participation and Cork City FC will be donating tickets for Turner’s Cross to the Crann Centre every week so that families can enjoy the atmosphere of a home game. An accessible area in the St. Anne’s Stand will now be allocated for usage by the Crann Centre client families. Cork City FC will also host accessible football sessions as part of the Crann Centre’s Summer Camp programme while the Crann Centre will host a disability education session for all Cork City FC staff members. 

The Crann Centre’s annual fundraising drive Walk n’ Roll takes place in June when  people will be asked to complete “5k your way”. Cork City FC will participate in the campaign as well as have a bucket collection on the weekend of the event and tap to donate points in their retail stores in Douglas and Turner’s Cross for fans to support.

Crann Centre Chief Executive of Padraig Mallon, added: “We are delighted to have been Cork City FC’s charity partner for the past two seasons and to retain that privilege for the 2025 season. Their commitment to accessibility and inclusion is demonstrated through initiatives like their Men's Amputees Team, Walking Football and ensuring that people with disabilities have the best view from the best parts of the ground with accessible facilities, helpful stewarding and a great matchday experience. We have a shared commitment to creating opportunities for participation at all levels.  

This year they are generously giving match tickets for children or adults who use the Crann Centre services, giving them the opportunity to attend the home games with a parent or family member for free. In addition, they are creating opportunities for their fans to support our work with donation points throughout the ground, space in matchday programmes and bucket collections at Turner’s Cross for our annual Walk n’ Roll fundraiser. Dermot Usher and his team deserve huge credit for making space for a charity partner in the busy world of running a successful football club.”   

For more information on the Crann Centre please visit www.cranncentre.ie