Cork Views - Irish Examiner

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CORK VIEWS

A collection of opinion and analysis articles from - and about - the Cork region by the Irish Examiner's editorial team and an ever growing band of contributors.

<p>Drug use and open dealing are now features of city life in certain parts of Cork City.</p>

comment-analysis

Michael Moynihan: The evidence is there. The urgency is there. Where is Cork's injection facility?

Evidence from Dublin's pilot and Cork's rising drug deaths strengthens the case for faster delivery of supervised injection services

<p>Needles on the street: Saturday's Irish Examiner, in print and online, includes reports about the prevalence of addiction in Cork City centre. Picture: Noel Sweeney</p>

ourview

Irish Examiner view: Cork needs a safe injecting facility

<p>Donal O’Keeffe reported that Zainab Eid won a scholarship to UCC but now feels forced to choose<br class="HardReturn">between caring for her four-year-old son and her dream of a physiotherapy qualification in Ireland. File picture</p>

yourview

Letters to the Editor: A mother's struggle highlights impossible choices due to Israeli occupation

Church and State tried to silence us, but Gen-X women had new tools

comment-analysis

Church and State tried to silence us, but Gen-X women had new tools

Letters to the Editor: We fought Church, State, and my own mother to keep our son. We won

yourview

Letters to the Editor: We fought Church, State, and my own mother to keep our son. We won

ERICA

people

Erica Bracken: 'My foundation as I knew it changed forever when my mother died'

Vaping e-liquid from an electronic cigarette

Michael Moynihan: Cork City has a staggering number of vape shops among all the store closures

Is the demand for vapes in Cork so high that all of these stores are profitable?

Thu, 06 Aug, 2026

Irish Examiner view: Student accommodation crisis could limit third-level to the wealthy

Irish Examiner view: Student accommodation crisis could limit third-level to the wealthy

Housing crisis has reached into almost every aspect of Irish life — and it could be hampering access to third-level education

Thu, 06 Aug, 2026

Dursey Island Cable Car West Cork ireland

Letters to the Editor: Dursey Island cable car congestion issue can be resolved

Electronic roadside signs — linked to a real-time car-park occupancy monitor at the cable car — could resolve road safety concerns

Sat, 01 Aug, 2026

Mayo’s drought ends but ours goes on — let it rain somewhere else now

Mayo’s drought ends but ours goes on — let it rain somewhere else now

When a drought is over, it’s good for us. It frees up a bit of brain that we didn’t know we’d devoted to wondering if Mayo would ever win an All-Ireland

Fri, 31 Jul, 2026

Five For Your Radar: All Together Now, Spider-Man, Ye Vagabonds...

Five For Your Radar: All Together Now, Spider-Man, Ye Vagabonds...

The bank holiday weekend brings plenty of arts and entertainment options

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

Michael Moynihan: Homer's Odyssey is universally applicable, especially to Cork City

Michael Moynihan: Homer's Odyssey is universally applicable, especially to Cork City

What could be more Cork than turning down the life of a god in order to just go home?

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

'Do not bury our history beneath concrete', mother of last baby to die at Bessborough tells Government

'Do not bury our history beneath concrete', mother of last baby to die at Bessborough tells Government

Bessborough survivor Cindi Bonny says her daughter was the last baby to die at the Cork institution and urges the Government to halt redevelopment

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Michael Moynihan: Heat is now an issue for Ireland, and it will be for the foreseeable

Michael Moynihan: Heat is now an issue for Ireland, and it will be for the foreseeable

With heatwaves no longer exceptional events and with cities typically experiencing much hotter temperatures than rural areas, Cork needs to develop a plan to reduce heat exposure for citizens

Thu, 23 Jul, 2026

Letters to the Editor: State should buy Bessborough site

Letters to the Editor: State should buy Bessborough site

Since planning permission to build apartments was granted, survivors and campaigners have been calling for the State to buy the remaining Bessborough lands

Sat, 18 Jul, 2026

In pictures: Kevin Bridges brings Marquee season to a close with phoneless gig

S In pictures: Kevin Bridges brings Marquee season to a close with phoneless gig

Fans flocked to the Marina to enjoy the first show on Friday night, which saw local comics Andrew Ryan and Chris Kent supporting the Scottish comedian

Fri, 17 Jul, 2026

Clodagh Finn: Remarkable story of Cork's Cummins sisters

Clodagh Finn: Remarkable story of Cork's Cummins sisters

There is so much more to say about the Cummins sisters from Cork city

Fri, 17 Jul, 2026

Michael Moynihan: Bessborough ruling proves that we can build anywhere

Michael Moynihan: Bessborough ruling proves that we can build anywhere

An Coimisiún Pleanála's decision to uphold planning to build apartments at Bessborough rids us of all those petty considerations like sensitivity or appropriateness, writes Michael Moynihan, who suggests other places in Cork we can build on like the River Lee, Páirc Uí Chaoimh and cemeteries

Thu, 16 Jul, 2026

Bessborough survivors' wishes being overshadowed by human rights debate

Bessborough survivors' wishes being overshadowed by human rights debate

Some survivors have accepted that the burial ground in Bessborough is the site of their babies' remains and wish to grieve them in peace

Wed, 15 Jul, 2026

Irish Examiner view: We can't ignore calls to turn Bessborough into a memorial park

Irish Examiner view: We can't ignore calls to turn Bessborough into a memorial park

Cork City Council and An Comisiun Pleanála may have failed to see the humanitarian aspect of approving a plan to build apartments on the notorious Bessborough site

Mon, 13 Jul, 2026

Cobh bandstand and Youghal Clock Gate Tower 'need urgent attention'

Cobh bandstand and Youghal Clock Gate Tower 'need urgent attention'

East Cork municipal meetings hear that iconic landmarks are in state of disrepair and that maintenance must be stepped up

Sun, 12 Jul, 2026

James Taylor review: Angelic tones of 'Sweet baby James' return to Marquee in Cork

S James Taylor review: Angelic tones of 'Sweet baby James' return to Marquee in Cork

If Taylor's voice has aged well, then so too have his remarkable songs

Sat, 11 Jul, 2026

Tom Grennan review: Fans enjoy Bedford-born singer's return to 'the motherland' at Cork's Marquee

S Tom Grennan review: Fans enjoy Bedford-born singer's return to 'the motherland' at Cork's Marquee

String tops, loose skirts, and sun hats were the outfits of choice, with handheld fans working overtime in an attempt to circulate some air in the sweltering heat

Thu, 09 Jul, 2026

I worked in Bessborough in 1996 as a student. So many questions came to me too late

I worked in Bessborough in 1996 as a student. So many questions came to me too late

My friend and I might not have known what exactly was going on there, but we knew enough to want to run away from the place, writes Audrey Hackett

Thu, 09 Jul, 2026

Michael Moynihan: 50 years later, how has Cork changed since the 1976 heatwave?

Michael Moynihan: 50 years later, how has Cork changed since the 1976 heatwave?

Sinking quays, thriving heavy industry and — quelle surprise, conflict about public transport — all made the news for Cork in 1976

Thu, 09 Jul, 2026

Kesha review: Marquee in Cork treated to three-act Freedom Tour masterclass

S Kesha review: Marquee in Cork treated to three-act Freedom Tour masterclass

She's back! Having wrestled with disputes that paused her career, Kesha blasts back with a powerful live show in Cork

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

Liam Quaide: People with intellectual disabilities have the right to a home

Liam Quaide: People with intellectual disabilities have the right to a home

TD and psychologist Liam Quaide describes how the Before We Die group, and his own research into privatisation of services have fed into the Social Democrats' private members' bill

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

Cork has Ireland's best city centre, but needs to avoid making the same bad decisions as Dublin

Cork has Ireland's best city centre, but needs to avoid making the same bad decisions as Dublin

Dublin might have all the Nationals and the Royals, but Cork still has the most coherent, strollable city centre, writes architect and planner Garry Miley

Tue, 07 Jul, 2026

Kneecap review: Belfast rappers get a huge welcome at Cork's Marquee

S Kneecap review: Belfast rappers get a huge welcome at Cork's Marquee

Having built a loyal following in the deep south, the Belfast rappers hailed their fervent supporters in 'the real capital'. And the feeling was mutual.

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Image Title: The Primary School

In Plain Sight is a photographic exhibition by Dublin born photographer Kim Haughton. It opens

Mick Clifford: The Dunderrow women prove Ireland’s child abuse cover-up never truly ended

Two redress schemes were set up to compensate them for the failure of the State to protect their childhoods. Both determined they didn’t qualify for redress for the crimes.

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Preparation to the post mortem examination.

Irish Examiner view: Technology removes need for full autopsy

Irish post-mortem services have deteriorated greatly in recent years, partially due to the increasing need, recruiting issues, poor working conditions, and a simple lack of motivation within the system

Mon, 06 Jul, 2026

Fianna Fail Ard Fheis

Legal aid: Solicitors accuse justice minister of Trump tactics

Despite Taoiseach's call on solicitors to stand down from their protests, members of the profession have signalled they are digging in, with Jim O’Callaghan the focus of much criticism

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

Éidín Griffin: Something about that boat trip to Kinsale helped me overcome my fear

S Éidín Griffin: Something about that boat trip to Kinsale helped me overcome my fear

Kinsale-based writer and performer Éidín Griffin tells Helen O’Callaghan about a sailing trip that had her feeling utterly helpless and very scared — yet ultimately it has made her less fearful and more ready to embrace adventure and new learning experiences.

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Michael Moynihan: Do we care enough to stop flats being built on Bessborough babies' remains?

Michael Moynihan: Do we care enough to stop flats being built on Bessborough babies' remains?

Michael Moynihan contrasts the respect for the children and babies buried at Bessborough to that of the human remains found during building work five years ago elsewhere in Cork

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Paul Weller review: Modfather exudes cool in sweltering Marquee

S Paul Weller review: Modfather exudes cool in sweltering Marquee

Weller brought three careers, thirty-odd albums, and an undiminished fury to Cork reminding a generation of exactly why he matters

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

The Lumineers review: Sweltering crowd treated to a Cork first at Musgrave Park

S The Lumineers review: Sweltering crowd treated to a Cork first at Musgrave Park

The concert marks the winding down of summer setlist at Musgrave Park (Virgin Media Park), with just one more gig to go

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Double parking on Handicapped parking spots

Michael Moynihan: Shame no longer exists as a tool to moderate people’s behaviour

It seems shame no longer exists as an effective tool to moderate people’s behaviour, so now public ridicule and embarrassment on social media seems more effective

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Five review: Boy band transports Cork's Marquee back to 2001

S Five review: Boy band transports Cork's Marquee back to 2001

Millennials and Gen Xers were transported back to their bedrooms about — dare we say it — a quarter of a century ago

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Alanis Morissette - Virgin Media Park - 24/06/2026 - Celeste Burdon

S Alanis Morissette review: Musgrave Park is in her pocket as Cork rocks despite the heat

The Canadian rocker — and two top-class support acts — roused the Gen X audience tonight despite the dead heat

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Hands holding wooden house, family home, homeless housing, mortgage crisis and home protecting insurance, international day of f

Why we want the option to move to a cohousing community

Ireland has the highest level of housing under-occupancy in the EU. Older people are not holding onto houses that younger families need. There is nowhere suitable for them to move to

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Kodaline review: Cork fans say farewell at 'bittersweet' Musgrave Park gig

S Kodaline review: Cork fans say farewell at 'bittersweet' Musgrave Park gig

The audience at Musgrave Park (Virgin Media Park) joined the band in celebrating a decade of music — but it was a bittersweet party, as the band will call it a day after the forthcoming album 'We Were Only Young'

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Bell X1 review: With 'Good Bones' album on the way, Marquee gig feels like a carnival

S Bell X1 review: With 'Good Bones' album on the way, Marquee gig feels like a carnival

There's something about The Marquee that suits Bell X1 — intimate enough for the quieter songs, big enough to let the choruses fly

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

FBL-WC-2026-MATCH17-FRA-SEN

Michael Moynihan: A guide to which World Cup team to support based on where you are in Cork

Depending on where you live in Cork, you can choose a country to support in the big FIFA tournament. Just hope that you don't get you know who...

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Imelda May review: Marquee mayhem as May invites Cork fans into her living room

S Imelda May review: Marquee mayhem as May invites Cork fans into her living room

The effect of seeing a stage full of domestic knick-knacks and worn-in furniture under warm lighting made the venue feel surprisingly homely

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Gareth O'Callaghan: I took the Leaving Cert again last week. Here's what I learned

Gareth O'Callaghan: I took the Leaving Cert again last week. Here's what I learned

After years of saying he'd do anything in the world rather than repeat the Leaving Cert, Gareth O'Callaghan takes on English Paper 1

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

K-pop Forever! Tribute review: A happy assault on the senses as Live at the Marquee begins in Cork

S K-pop Forever! Tribute review: A happy assault on the senses as Live at the Marquee begins in Cork

Inspired by Netflix's 'K Pop Demon Hunters', this tribute show is like a triumphant pre-teen Electric Picnic, delighting an audience aged 6 and up — and their parents

Thu, 11 Jun, 2026

Michael Moynihan: Accessibility is possible in Cork City — just look at MacCurtain Street

Michael Moynihan: Accessibility is possible in Cork City — just look at MacCurtain Street

After Make Way Day, I started looking at parking around the city differently. According to the Cork Access Group, it's lost 10 disabled parking spaces in the past few years

Thu, 11 Jun, 2026

Letters to the Editor: Medical specialists back TD's call for generational ban on tobacco

Letters to the Editor: Medical specialists back TD's call for generational ban on tobacco

Cork North Central TD Colm Burke called on the health minister and the HSE to 'get serious' about smoking. Now, 14 public health medicine specialist registrars explain why he's right

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

Michael Moynihan: Why Páirc Uí Chaoimh is the best sports stadium in the country, bar none

Michael Moynihan: Why Páirc Uí Chaoimh is the best sports stadium in the country, bar none

A full-on festival of celebration surrounding a game like Sunday’s Munster Senior Hurling Final is an obvious platform for showcasing the entire area and all it has to offer

Thu, 04 Jun, 2026

Ursula Shannon fought for the Bessborough babies — now we must continue

Ursula Shannon fought for the Bessborough babies — now we must continue

Trafficked as a baby and adopted from Bessborough, former Lady Mayoress Ursula Shannon fought for all the forgotten babies — we cannot allow them to be concreted over

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

Ruti Lachs: Cork has so many precious memories of a vanished Jewish community

Ruti Lachs: Cork has so many precious memories of a vanished Jewish community

Cork's synagogue closed its doors in 2016, with a tiny number of Jewish people left in the city. Ruti Lachs set about gathering childhood memories of a vanished parallel city

Mon, 01 Jun, 2026

David O'Mahony: Tracing family history requires a stubborn streak

David O'Mahony: Tracing family history requires a stubborn streak

I had forgotten, or perhaps not really thought, that emerging onto Pope’s Quay would put me facing Cornmarket St, where some unfinished business of family history remains.

Sat, 23 May, 2026

Podcast: The rise of Kneecap and what Cork audiences can expect from their live shows

Podcast: The rise of Kneecap and what Cork audiences can expect from their live shows

Eoghan O'Sullivan fills in for Mick Clifford and is joined by music journalist Dean Van Nguyen

Listen | Thu, 21 May, 2026

'World’s smallest public statue' proposed for Cork mosquito linked to death of Oliver Cromwell

Michael Moynihan: Why Cork's tiny statue of the mosquito that bit Oliver Cromwell could be a masterstroke

The proposal by Cllr Oliver Moran just needs to avoid some of the issues besetting other public art like the Dublin Spire, the Sonia O'Sullivan statue in Cobh, and the Púca in Ennistymon

Thu, 21 May, 2026

Ireland housing crisis: 'Home I was evicted from in Cork is now an AirBnB'

S Ireland housing crisis: 'Home I was evicted from in Cork is now an AirBnB'

For rural Ireland to have a future we must protect, and invest in, the people that call it home

Mon, 18 May, 2026

David O'Mahony: Perspective in art and life is a good thing

David O'Mahony: Perspective in art and life is a good thing

Given the proliferation of AI slop in the creative arts arena, the only way to stand out in a sea of mediocrity is to do so something that stands out

Sat, 16 May, 2026

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