The spirit of murdered Lord Mayor of Cork, Tomás MacCurtain, was honoured last night as Cork officially embarked on its programme of 1920 commemorations.

Eighteen former lords mayor of Cork have expressed “profound concerns” about the possible abolition of the city council as part of a major overhaul of the region’s local government structures.

18 lord mayor have set aside party politics to unite against a super council and to spark public debate, says Eoin English