WE have reached a nadir of confidence not seen since post-Famine years.

THE loss of thousands of jobs across the country has been well documented in recent months but, whereas others are feeling the cold hand of recession for the first time only this year, parts of Cork saw the Celtic Tiger shot and skinned many years ago.

GARDAÍ are beefing up security for next Friday’s visit of Ian Paisley to Cobh, Co Cork, amid concerns that dissident republicans are planning a protest.

SECURITY is expected to be tight in a Cork harbour town next month when the north’s first minister makes his furthest foray south.

A TOWN that economic success overlooked is determined to get back on track with a blueprint for the future.