Momentum gathers for Fairtrade leader Cork

CORK is living up to its reputation as Ireland’s top fair trade county as a string of local towns enjoy a packed calendar of events to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight 2008.

A “limerick” competition, the launch of a website, meetings with President Mary McAleese, a film screening, and visits from cocoa growers, trade unionists and producers are just some of the events scheduled around the region until March 9.

Cork boasts no fewer than five designated fairtrade towns — Kinsale, Bandon, Clonakilty, Skibbereen and Bantry — while Cork city is also a fairtrade centre. Five other areas — Glanmire, Mallow, Midleton, Schull and Youghal — are in the process of meeting the criteria for designation as fairtrade centres.