“It was a terrific day, a wonderful way to celebrate the centenary of Ford in Ireland.”

When Ford was described by UCC President Professor Patrick G. O’Shea as “a Cork company with an American subsidiary”, it was a remark that perfectly captured the light-hearted mood during the visit of William Clay Ford Jr.

For anyone whizzing by Ballinascarthy on the N71, it’s hard to miss the gleaming stainless steel statue of an iconic Model T Ford.