CORK city is open for business on Friday despite the massive security operation for the queen’s visit.

A JUNIOR Government minister had more than a passing interest in a passing out parade at Collins Barracks in Cork yesterday.

RAINCOATS and umbrellas were the order of the day for those who braved the weather on the third and final day of the Cork Clipper Festival.

ONE of the army’s most senior officers received a salute from the Lord Mayor of Cork last night as he was accorded a civic reception in recognition of his outstanding military service.

AN HISTORIC collection of regimental silver with strong links to North Cork was handed over to the army yesterday.

A SENIOR army officer will make a nostalgic trip to the Lebanon next weekend to a spot where he was nearly blown up by a mortar.

THE new commander of the Irish army in the south reviewed troops yesterday on his first day in the job.

THREE days of major exercises are taking place in Cork to prepare members of the 1st Southern Brigade for a tour of duty in Liberia.

President Mary McAleese is to pay a morale-boosting pre-Christmas visit to Irish troops engaged in United Nations duty in Liberia next week.

FOUR soldiers killed at one checkpoint, three civilians at another.