Butcher Tom makes the cut as CBA leader

Butcher Tom Durcan has become the first English Market trader to lead the Cork Business Association (CBA).

Mr Durcan, chairman of the market traders’ group, became president of the CBA last night.

He said: “If someone had told me 20 years ago that I’d be president of the Cork Business Association I’d have laughed. Hopefully I will leave my mark on the position.”

Mr Durcan, who played a key role in the queen’s visit to the English Market last year, said his focus would be on promoting the city in 2012.

“The business environment is very tough, Cork is struggling like every other town and city. But we can’t just sit back and wait for things to happen. We must get out there and promote our city.

“I want to work with the city council to improve what we have to offer,” he said.

Tom, originally from Douglas but now living in Crosshaven, began his career in butchery as a youngster.

For three years running, he took a job in Jim Kidney’s butcher shop in Carrigaline during school holidays.

He opened Tom Durcan Meats in the English Market in 1985.

“Cork is the second largest city in Ireland and I think it should be second busiest too. That’s what we are working towards,” he said.

Donal Healy, chief executive of the CBA, said: “Tom is a very successful businessman who always puts the wider the interests of Cork first. He will be a fantastic ambassador for the city.

“His experience will be a great asset to the business association,” he added.

Article courtesy of the Evening Echo newspaper.