'No one expected this': Anguished Cork creche staff vow to fight to keep centre open

Staff and public representatives after a meeting at the Before 5 centre on Thursday afternoon following the shock announcement of the closing of the community creche/pre-school. Picture: Larry Cummins
Anguished faces emerged from an emergency meeting at Before 5 creche in Cork on Thursday following the sudden news the beloved centre, described as “the heartbeat of the community”, would close with immediate effect.
The move has left 100 families without childcare places next week and 14 staff, many of whom have worked there for more than 20 years, suddenly without jobs.