McAleese full of praise for Cork in farewell speech

PRESIDENT Mary McAleese has hailed the people of Cork for the warmth of their welcome towards Queen Elizabeth during the British royal visit to Ireland last May.

On a farewell visit to the city yesterday, Mrs McAleese also praised the city’s celebration of culture as exemplified by the Cork School of Music, the choral, jazz and film festivals, and UCC’s Glucksman Gallery, where she addressed a gathering of academics, business and political figures.

“Who could forget how your city welcomed Her Majesty and who could forget how your fish-monger made the Queen laugh,” she said, referring to Pat O’Connell from Cork’s English Market.