Neidín is already on the steroids getting ready to haul The Menu’s enormous carcass west to one of his most favourite annual food outings, The Dingle Food Festival (Sept 30-Oct 2) in association with the Blás na hÉireann National Irish Food Award.

Over the past 12 months, there has been a quiet transformation on the streets of Cork with a host of new eateries opening for business. John Daly meets the men transforming the city.

One of these chefs will be eating humble pie this evening, while the other will dine like a lord.

Cork is hoping to create technology history this St Patrick’s weekend by using advanced video teleconferencing to allow a US mayor lead parades on both sides of the Atlantic.