Culture of exclusion

ON Sunday last, it was obvious from early morning that some event would be taking place later in the day in Cork city.

Few people citizens and visitors alike seemed quite sure what the fuss was all about, even up to the last minute.

One thing was certain, however, from the outset. Access along Pope's Quay, among other places, was totally out of bounds not only to motorists and pedestrians, but even more scandalously, to people with disabilities.

No effort whatever was made to publicise such an appalling lack of access from the North Gate Bridge eastwards into the city. Not that that would have legitimised the barring of people (with disabilities especially) from our so-called City of Culture.

Did I say 'culture?' Only a few years ago, we prided ourselves in hosting the Special Olympics here in Ireland. (Some of the hoardings are still in place).

It is not unlikely that Cork 2005 will be remembered as the European City of Mal-culture.

Fr Colm McAdam, CM, PP

St Vincent's Church

Sundays Well

Cork