Restaurant review: Crawford Gallery Café, Cork

THERE are moments, just passing ones, but moments of real promise, at this time of the year when the hard, cobalt blue of the cold winter sky is softened by strands of viridian light, an energising, germinating light that promises that spring is coming on the next train; that the circle is indeed unbroken.

The moments pass, later to become spring and summer’s norm, but their pledge is always uplifting.

For some reason that I can’t explain these welcome suggestions always remind me of a house sparrow enjoying a bird bath, shaking off the dust of the past, feathers all fluffed up, ready for anything and optimistically expectant. Spring is coming... be ready.