'We don't just need to survive Christmas' - Munster's oldest markets meet pandemic challenge

Having faced famines, wars and recessions, Nicole Glennon find out how Cork's English Market and Limerick's Milk Market are handling the challenge of Covid-19

Brothers Paul and Pat O’Connell at K O’Connell Fishmongers at the English Market. 'If you spend €10 in the market that's €10 that’s staying local. It’s not going to England, it’s not going to Europe, it's staying in Cork, and that is so vital for any city.' Picture: Dan Linehan

The English Market has served the people of Cork in the face of famine, war, recession, fire and flood.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in March, famed fishmonger Pat O’Connell said there was “no question” of him and his staff sitting it out.