A stretch limo to Penneys and queues in the rain from 7am: businesses and shoppers celebrate reopening

Despite torrential rain in Cork and Limerick, barbers, hairdressers and retailers open for appointments all reported a strong trade as the latest phase of restrictions eased

Sisters Hayleigh, Estelle and Ciara Murphy were delighted to be back open at 3 Degrees Hair Design in Blackpool, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

Queues formed cautiously outside barber shops and businesses from 7am on Monday morning as Cork city shook off the tighter shackles of lockdown.

A white stretch limousine brought one group of eager shoppers to Penneys in Wilton and queues were seen outside Brown Thomas from early morning.