Brewery bosses to meet campaigners

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the home of Ireland’s oldest brewery, Beamish & Crawford in Cork, are due to meet its owners within days to discuss its future.

The National Conservation and Heritage Group, which is leading the campaign, will tell Heineken executives that a tourist-focused micro-brewery should be retained on the site, located in the heart of the city’s historic core.

Green Party representative Mick Murphy said such a move by Heineken would lead to huge spin-offs, for the brewing giant and for the city.

“Saving the brewery’s iconic and protected mock Tudor-fronted building is our primary objective.

“But we think Heineken should maintain some level of brewing on the site and incorporate this micro-brewery into a tourist trail in this historic part of the city,” he said.

Meanwhile, moves are underway to draw up a patrons list of the campaign.

Dancer Michael Flatley, who won widespread praise for his sensitive refurbishment of Castlehyde House in Fermoy, Co Cork, and singer John Spillane are among those who will be approached.

The group helped persuade Diageo to develop the Guinness Storehouse.