Welcome to Cork - In the top 10 for 2010

AS winter closes in and as the consequence of excess begins to come to a head cheering news is indeed welcome.

And it came yesterday from influential international travel guide — The Lonely Planet — which told its worldwide audience that Cork is one of the top ten world destinations for 2010.

Putting the city and county in the same bracket as Abu Dhabi, Charleston, Istanbul, Kyoto and Vancouver, it celebrated the city’s “sophisticated, vibrant and diverse attractions, friendliness, relaxed charm and quick-fire wit”.

According to the Lonely Planet guide Cork has finally stepped out of the shadow of the capital city. This accolade will probably fuel another round in the eternal slagging match between Dublin and the Real Capital but it is far more significant than any of the tongue-in-cheek slings and arrows we so gladly aim at each other.

It will reach an international audience intent on travelling to some of the world’s most attractive destinations and if Cork — and Ireland — is brought to their attention in a positive and objective manner all the better.

This achievement is a recognition of the warmth and enthusiasm so much in evidence in all of Ireland but it is also a tribute to those, public and private, who played such a central role in the redevelopment of the city.

Without developers with courage and civic management with vision and leadership Cork would still be a decaying, provincial town. Thankfully that is not the case and city manager Joe Gavin and his staff, as well as county manager Martin Riordan and staff and his predecessor, are owed a special debt in this context.

How wonderful it is that Lonely Planet has recognised this and how wonderful it would be if Cork city and the whole region reaped the benefits in 2010.

Beautiful city, charming and pretty ...