The most popular and enduring soccer team was Cork Hibernians, who were one of the most successful League of Ireland teams in the 1960s and '70s. "The Lodge" was regularly filled for Hibs home games, particularly for their local derby with Cork Celtic. However, both Cork clubs went out of business in the late 1970s, after experiencing a sudden collapse in their crowds.

Cobh Ramblers, then a nonleague side, played an FAI Cup semifinal replay against Sligo Rovers at Flower Lodge in 1983, as it had a larger capacity than their own ground. The 1973 FAI Cup final replay was played at Flower Lodge. A new Cork team, Cork City F.C., was formed in 1984, and initially also played at Flower Lodge. In May 1985, the Republic of Ireland national soccer team played a friendly match against Spain there, as part of the Cork 800 celebrations.

Also as part of the celebrations the Republic of Ireland women's national football team played a 1987 European Competition for Women's Football qualification game against England there.

In 1986, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, who owned the ground, put it up for sale, forcing Cork City F.C. to move to Turners Cross.

The old stadium was acquired by the GAA, and renamed Páirc Uí Rinn (Ring Park in English) after Christy Ring, famed Cork and Glen Rovers hurler. The terraces at either end of the pitch were demolished to allow the longer playing field required by gaelic games. Páirc Uí Rinn is the second-largest capacity GAA ground in