How UCC made Henry Ford a lawyer

Attempts to give Henry Ford the Freedom of Cork failed to materialise, but Thomas Grimes reveals how UCC finally honoured the man after some persuasion.

The coup of opening the Ford factory on the Marina in Cork had involved a great deal of teamwork between the company and the Cork Industrial Development Association, the Harbour Board, and even British Prime Minister David Lloyd George.

However, later wrangles with Cork Corporation over the lease somewhat marred the relationship of the City Fathers with Henry Ford and Marina management.