City of Culture: a lot done, more to do

RECENTLY I took my Dublin-reared family to Cork to give them a taste of my home town during its term as City of Culture.

There was much to be pleased with, not least the friendliness and cheerfulness of God’s own people.

I was delighted to see the newly unearthed old culvert near Daunt’s Square, proving that Cork was indeed the Venice of the North in former times. I’m sure the corporation will cherish this find and not repeat the Wood Quay mistakes of Dublin corporation.

Three gripes I must mention:

1. The appalling sawn-off gantries masquerading as lamp standards in Patrick Street. Did Cork corporation really sanction these monstrosities that have ruined Pana’s beautiful streetscape?

2. The failure to locate the Frank O’Connor Library in the St Luke’s/ Dillon’s Cross area. Why isn’t it signposted?

3. Our discovery that the extension to Fitzgerald Park museum is closed on Saturdays and Sundays when working people would have a chance to view the exhibits. Whose crazy idea was this?

I wouldn’t be a Corkman if I didn’t grumble but, by and large, I was very proud to show off my city to the Jackeens in my family.

Adrian Mulcahy

Castle View

Clondalkin

Dublin 18