Steering the course: A day on Leeside shores with Cork's harbour pilots

Tony Mulcahy is one of a dedicated team of harbour pilots who work year round in all conditions piloting large ships into Cork Harbour, writes Ellie O’Byrne

Tony Mulcahy, Port of Cork pilot, in front of the cruise ship MS Zuiderdam (Holland America Line) at Cobh Cruise Terminal. Pictures: Larry Cummins

As Tony Mulcahy gets into a glass elevator in the plush surroundings of a cruise ship, high above Cobh town, two American ladies greet him with enthusiasm.

“Ooh, it’s the pilot! Good morning, pilot!”