Crowning glory for Cork as culture capital

NOT since the burning of Cork has the city by the Lee been so emblazoned with fire, colour and a sense of vibrant expectation.

Last night, the majestic edifice of Cork City Hall became the focus of an intense explosion of colour and exploration as the symbolic heart of the city embraced its European identity as Cork was officially unveiled as the 2005 European Capital of Culture.

Copenhagen, Madrid, Genoa, Porto, Helsinki and Prague to name just a few have all had this honour, now it is Cork city's turn.