The long-lost knitted map of Cork, which cost the taxpayer €259,000 a decade ago, is being taken out of storage and dusted down for its first public display in seven years.

A new company is to set up in Limerick to boost tourism and promote industries linked to the arts. The Creative Limerick Agency will be wholly owned by Limerick City and County Council and have its own chief executive, board of directors and staff.

THE European Capital of Culture will host the National Antique and Art Fair today and tomorrow (March 15-16).

THE controversy surrounding Limerick City of Culture have given those of us in Cork cause to look back to 2005 when we held the prestigious title of European City of Culture, an event that created a lasting legacy that we continue to enjoy nine years later.

Tensions developed between the Limerick City of Culture board and former artistic director, Karl Wallace over a proposal to stage a major international weekend event costing €1.8m, it emerged yesterday.

The American premiere of Cork writer Conal Creedon’s play, The Cure, takes place at New York’s Green Room Theatre on Sept 9 and will run for at least a month.

Set up 24 years ago as a haven for artists, the NSF is integral to Cork culture, says Tina O’Sullivan

CORK’S designation as Europe’s cultural capital will be vital in attracting tourists to Ireland this year, an industry meeting was told yesterday.

A CRUNCH meeting is set to take place between representatives of 250 hotels and the board of Cork Kerry Tourism tomorrow, amid claims that the tourist marketing body has no strategic plans in place to capitalise on Cork’s success as European Capital of Culture.

SOME of the biggest names in literature are competing for the inaugural €50,000 Frank O’Connor International Short Story Prize, it emerged yesterday.

THE organisers of Cork 2005, European Capital of Culture, have been criticised for their failure to raise adequate commercial sponsorship to fund the year’s programme of events.

IRISH EXAMINER owners Thomas Crosbie Holdings Ltd (TCH) yesterday announced its official partnership with Cork 2005: European Capital of Culture.

BREWING giant Heineken Ireland are expected to announce major sponsorship of the Cork 2005 European Capital of Culture programme at a special function which is scheduled for next Tuesday.

CORK’S employment and development prospects are the subject of a seminar to be held by Cork Chamber of Commerce next month.

CORK 2005 European Capital of Culture hopes to raise up to €7 million through an innovative prêt à porter collection of sponsorship packages they will offer to businesses, priced from around €5,000 to €1m.

John Kennedy, director Cork 2005, says Cork has a golden opportunity to put itself on European cultural map.

THE Taoiseach has struck a decidedly dud note with one of the most influential development groups in Cork by refusing to meet with them to discuss the Government’s refusal to fund the proposed €60 million Cork School of Music.

CORK is among the front-runners to host the European Cross-Country Championships in 2005 — the year the City will hold the status of European Capital of Culture.

EUROPEAN Parliament president Pat Cox has urged the Government to fork out the €55m promised two years ago for a new Cork School of Music building.