CorkIndependent.com Local News Feed http://www.corkindependent.com Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:56:31 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.corkindependent.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.corkindependent.com CorkIndependent.com Local News Feed http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6987&Itemid=82 The Office of Public Works (OPW) underspent €25 million of its flood relief allocation in 2008 even though a major flood assessment report for Cork was well underway, the Cork Independent can reveal. Figures from the OPW for 2008 reveal the department was allocated €50 million for flood relief, of which €24.879 million was spent, leaving a further €25.121 unspent. In 2009, €43 million was allocated with €36.5 million of it spent, while a further €50 million has been made available this year. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6988&Itemid=82 The Clinical Director of Mental Health Services in West Cork, Pat Bracken, has added his voice to a growing campaign aimed at deleting section 59b of the Mental Health Act 2001, which provides for involuntary Electro-Convulsive Treatment (ECT) for psychiatric patients. The campaign to eliminate involuntary ECT has been backed by Mad Pride Ireland, whose founder, Corkman John McCarthy, told the Cork Independent that forced treatments are "an abuse of civil rights". Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6989&Itemid=82 Cork city motorists could face a 30km/h (18.64mph) speed limit before next Christmas. Fears have been expressed that shoppers will stay away from the city centre in droves as a result. Cork Business Association (CBA) chief executive Donal Healy, said his 200 members "would have huge concern that shoppers could be driven out" of the city centre. "Are the council piggy backing the Dublin City Council plan? We don't have any serious traffic problems in Cork." Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6990&Itemid=82 A Midleton College graduate will be jetting off to the Oscars later this year after an animated short film that he directed was nominated in the Best Animated Short Film Category on Tuesday. Nicky Phelan, Character Designer and Animation Director with the Dublin animation studio Brown Bag Films, directed the hugely successful Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty, which was nominated this week for the coveted prize. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6991&Itemid=82 Cork city is becoming a soft touch for organised crime gangs, a local Senator has claimed. Cork-based Senator Jerry Buttimer claimed last Wednesday's seizure of 750,000 counterfeit cigarettes in Carrignavar highlighted the increase of organised crime, which he said was "taking hold of the city". "The cold-blooded killing of a man in Cork last week, coupled with the swell in republican activity in the region and now a haul of 750,000 counterfeit cigarette. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6992&Itemid=82 News that the Drugs Minister wants to ban legal highs sold in head shops was warmly welcomed in Cork this week, following a recent conference held on the issue. Minister John Curran told the conference focusing on the issue that he wants the substances to be outlawed instead of regulated. Cork North Central TD and Minister for State Billy Kelleher welcomed the result and said that he was pleased that a universal response across Government departments was being coordinated. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6993&Itemid=82 Car sales are up 5.04 per cent on January 2009, the second month consecutively in which sales have improved for the ailing car industry. However, the figure, could be underestimating the boost, according to one Cork dealer. Commenting on the figures released by his organisation, SIMI Director General Alan Nolan said, "At five per cent up on January last year, we are very pleased with new car sales so far this year. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6994&Itemid=82 The city's famous water tower in Knocknaheeny has taken on a whole new life of its own. People from all over the city have started seeing luminous green lights dominating the skyline in Cork over the past week, but fear not, it isn't extra terrestrial life. As part of the overall regeneration of the Knocknaheeny area, residents had asked the Cork City Council to consider lighting up the water tower. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6995&Itemid=82 Almost 400 Penneys staff received good news this week as they are to receive a 3.5 per cent pay increase this year following talks with trade union Mandate this week. Penneys currently employs 208 staff in its Patrick Street outlet, while the retailer employs a further 189 at the Wilton store. The workers balloted in favour of the new set of proposals which will give staff a pay increase of 3.5 per cent in 2010 under the Towards 2016 Transitional pay agreement. Six per cent of staff opposed the pay rise by voting against it. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6996&Itemid=82 Despite being suspended by the club, the Cork City 'six' have continued to train with the club this week. They were suspended by the club for their part in last week's press conference, at which they said they would refuse to play for Cork City as long as owner Tom Coughlan is involved with the club. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6997&Itemid=82 Staff at Cork's Bon Secours hospitals are to begin strike action on Monday 8 February over the private health group's decision to impose pay cuts of up to five per cent. Michael Dineen, Industrial Relations spokesperson for the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation based in Cork said, "The strike will go ahead. These pay cuts are illegal, there was no consultation with staff and it was an arbitrary decision by management," he said. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6998&Itemid=82 The Number of people in Cork using the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) has doubled in both the City and County since 2007. Last year, 2,275 people in Cork availed of the service provided by MABS, compared to 1,124 in 2007. In 2008, a total of 1,754 people in Cork accessed the service. This trend has also been witnessed by the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) who reported a "huge increase" in the number of people looking for help. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6999&Itemid=82 The Department of Government will tonight (Thursday) host a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to discuss local government reform. The meeting is due to get underway at 7.30pm in the Council Room in the North Wing of the Quad at UCC and it is the first time that this Joint Oireachtas Committee has held a meeting outside of Dublin. Expert evidence will be presented by four invited speakers and after there will be an opportunity for people to contribute from the floor. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7000&Itemid=82 While there are plenty of comments about politicians 'netting' salaries and expenses, two Cork politicians have decided to get more tech savvy and enter the digital age. Senator Jerry Buttimer has caught the web bug and has started conducting online clinics. Senator Buttimer, who regularly updates his Twitter and Facebook profiles, began conducting an online clinic this week for people who can't get to his Glasheen Road clinic. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7001&Itemid=82 Efforts by a Ballinlough community group and the local gardai to rid the area of anti-social behaviour have yielded positive results, a community meeting heard this week. Members of the Ballinlough Community Association met with local representatives and gardai from Blackrock and Douglas at the local community centre following earlier reports of organised fights and the illegal sale of alcohol in the area. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7002&Itemid=82 The East Douglas Village Market will re-open after the Winter Break on Friday 5 February. The market, which will run from the new time of 10am to 2pm, will feature some delicious new additions including a fresh fish stall, offering fresh fish caught daily from the south coast of Cork. The market will be located along the main road through the East Douglas Village and will be packed with over 20 food stalls featuring the best of local artisan producers and farmer's market traders. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7003&Itemid=82 The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has called for anglers at one of Cork's most popular fishing spots to take care when discarding their equipment. A swan was recently removed from Lough Aderra, near Macroom on the Cork/Youghal road. The bird had a fishing line embedded around the base of its beak and the line was trailing down into the oesophagus where it was caught up in food and causing a blockage. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7004&Itemid=82 Cork has been allocated over €36 million in funds for roads maintenance and construction in 2010. The money includes over €9 million for the new Cork to Limerick motorway, over €8 million for the Mitchelstown to Fermoy road and €4 million for the southern ring road. There has been a mixed reaction from TDs in Cork to the news. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7005&Itemid=82 A Leaving Certificate student from Colaiste Muire in Crosshaven has won the Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) 'Good Ideas' competition. The winning idea, a self-inflating balloon, beat off stiff competition from 80 other entries from students across the city and county. The winner, Christian Donovan, won a Dell Notebook. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7006&Itemid=82 'Strategies for hangman', 'The physics and chemistry of spiders webs' or 'The power of visualization in sport' are among some of the prize winning projects by Cork entrants to the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, on display at Lifetime Lab during February. Lord Mayor Cllr Dara Murphy will launch the display of over 50 projects from 23 schools on Friday 5 February with participating students on hand to speak about their projects. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7007&Itemid=82 Do you have experience of living and working with a Musculoskeletal Disorder? Volunteers are being sought for a research project aimed at improving the experiences of people living and working with a chronic condition. Being run by Arthritis Ireland, the research will inform education and self-management courses run by the charity. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7008&Itemid=82 Between Friday 11 June and Sunday 13 June, Crosshaven Lifeboat Station will hold a 42 hour Raft Challenge culminating with our Lifeboat Open Day on Sunday 13 June. For the raft challenge, 12 willing and hardy volunteers prepared to live on a 12 man life raft for 42 hours are needed. It starts at 9pm on Friday 11 June and volunteers compete in Big Brother style challenges on and off the raft until Sunday 13th at 3pm when a winner will be chosen. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7009&Itemid=82 On 7 March Colaiste Stiofain Naofa will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of music at the college with a gala event in the Everyman Palace Theatre. Organised and presented by the current Higher National Diploma Music class, this event will showcase the breadth of talent that has emerged from the course since its inception. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7010&Itemid=82 Emphasising the giving spirit of Corkonians, another fundraising event in aid of those affected by the Haiti earthquake will take place this month. The event will take place on Saturday 20 February in the Auld Triangle, Macroom. The evening will include plenty of entertainment as well as an auction. Top draw at the auction will be tickets to a Munster Heineken Cup match. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7011&Itemid=82 A Fundraising event in aid of Haiti will take place on Saturday 13 February in the Gaelic Bar in Carrigtwohill. The evening is sure to be entertaining with plenty of music and spot prizes being given out on the night. The event will be sponsored by the Gaelic Bar and Lennox’s. As well as musical entertainment, there will also be sponsored head shaves and waxes. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7012&Itemid=82 Corkman Ted Philpott went to Haiti last year as a volunteer with Haven, and has signed up again for the 2010 trips. Haven have organised two Build-it-Weeks in Haiti this year. One of these will take place at the end of April with the second at the end of October. There will be 250 volunteers on each trip with each person raising over €4,000 to take part. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7013&Itemid=82 April will be a month for celebrating the volunteering spirit in Cork with the Lord Mayor's Volunteer Week taking place from Thursday 8 April to Sunday 11. The main event will be a two-day Volunteer Fair on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 April. Over 50 community and voluntary groups will exhibit and give information about their organisations and discuss volunteering opportunities in Cork. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7014&Itemid=82 This Week, Home Instead Senior Care Cork, launched a new free information guide, 'Beat the Break: A Guide to Osteoporosis and Fall Prevention'. The guide explains everything seniors need to know about Osteoporosis including: what it is, how it can be prevented and how it can be treated. It also focuses on fall prevention as those with Osteoporosis are more susceptible to breaking a bone from a slip or fall. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7015&Itemid=82 Fota Wildlife Park has started work on a brand new €4m entrance development which includes a new macaque exhibit. The development at Fota Wildlife Park involves the upgrading of both car parks, the building of a new entrance area, a new shop and cafe, new administration buildings, new customer toilets, a new primate exhibit and also the development of a dedicated education complex. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7016&Itemid=82 A Special bank account has been opened for members of the public who wish to donate funds to help cover the expenses incurred by the family of Cork conjoined twins, Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf. The parents of the twins, Angie and Azzedine Benhaffaf and their daughters Malika and Iman, expressed their gratitude this week for the support that they have received. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7017&Itemid=82 Cork airport could grow considerably if it wasn't saddled with a "€200m white elephant" in the form of the new terminal, according to Ryanair's Chief Executive, Michael O'Leary. In Cork this week to announce seven new routes for the summer months, O'Leary said that the airport hadn't suffered as much as the like of Shannon with Ryanair withdrawing routes because it "hadn't done much in Cork anyway." Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7018&Itemid=82 A Global company has opened a new centre in Little Island. Cork TD and Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher, this week officially opened the Texas Instruments Cork Ltd. (TI) Power Design Centre, a power management semiconductor engineering research and development office that TI moved into last year. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7019&Itemid=82 The history of Murphy's Brewery, dating back to 1856, has become available to the public. Murphy's journey can be described as the journey of Cork since the 19th century, and it has seen recession and boom, the advent of the car, airplane and internet. In 1856 James J. Murphy along with his brothers William, Jerome, Francis and Nicolas established a firm that has remained synonymous with Cork up to the present day. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7020&Itemid=82 International soprano and celebrity Lesley Garrett has announced she will perform in Cork next month. Garrett is one of the world's most popular sopranos, regularly appearing in both opera, in concert and on television and she comes to the City Hall on Thursday 18 March. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7021&Itemid=82 Cork South West TD Christy O'Sullivan has called on the Department of Agriculture to provide grant aid for potato farmers hit by the recent severe weather. Large parts of the national potato crop remained unharvested by the time the cold weather hit last year and early this year, Deputy O'Sullivan says the freezing conditions have ruined large portions of that crop. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7022&Itemid=82 Calling all young handwriters. Primary school students throughout the country are invited to take part in the 18th annual National Handwriting Competition. The competition which is sponsored by the INTO and EBS Building Society is open to all national schools in the county and Cork schools have been urged to showcase the students' flair for handwriting. The focus is to keep the art of handwriting alive in the schools across the country. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7023&Itemid=82 Biznetcork Skillnet, based in the Cork Chamber, has been awarded funding for the first quarter of 2010 by Skilnets Ltd., to accompany some new responsibilities. Over the last ten years, the Cork Chamber Skillnet has been successful in receiving government funding to organise subsidised training courses for the Cork business community and 2010 will be no different. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7024&Itemid=82 A first year student from Cork City has beaten off competition to be announced as one of December's secondary school finalist in the Boyne Valley Book of Kells National Art Competition. Aisling O'Sullivan produced a bespoke work of art based on the brief of using inspiration from either the Book of Kells itself, the monks who wrote and illustrated the tome, or life in the ninth century. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7025&Itemid=82 A New Cork project, which is to be established to help fight food poverty through a range of city-based activities, has been awarded funding of €75,000 this week. Safefood announced this week that Food Focus, a collective project to be run throughout the city, will benefit from the funding over three years under the Demonstration Programme of Community Food Initiatives. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7026&Itemid=82 A Total of six students attending Youthreach Mahon received Bronze Gaisce Awards on Monday in celebration of their community activities. At a special Presidents Awards ceremony at Ringmahon House in Mahon, the selected six were joined by Gaisce CEO Patrick Callaghan, who presented the awards. The students proved successful in a range of activities such as physical challenges, learning new skills and creating links with their local community. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7027&Itemid=82 A Table quiz to raise funds for Cork's community radio station Cork FM will take place at the Groves Pub in Blackpool on Friday 5 February. Spot prizes are also being accepted for the event, which will raise funds for the community radio station, which broadcasts each weekend on 87.7FM. The table quiz kicks off at 8.30pm and entrance to the quiz is €5 per person. For more information on Cork FM Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7028&Itemid=82 The annual Castletownshend to Skibbereen walk in aid of the Cork Cancer Research Centre (CCRC) hopes to raise €20,000 this year. Caheragh native Professor Gerry O'Sullivan is Director in Chief of the CCRC and the people of his locality have rallied for his cause over the past number of years. Last year the walk raised €15,000 when over 200 walkers completed the eight mile route. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7029&Itemid=82 A Number of Cork schools proved they have the international flavour and could spin off some European languages in the Cobh and Harbour Chamber Language Competition. A total of six schools took part in the event which aimed to encourage students to use European Languages, our own native Irish Language as well as boost their skills in time for their oral examinations. Students from Midleton, Carrigaline, Glanmire, Rochestown, Carrigtwohill and Cobh competed in the event, which saw St Aloysius and Cobh Community College scooping the awards for their German skills. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7030&Itemid=82 Cork hurler Donal Og Cusack was named January Cork Person of the Month this week due to his recent literary and sporting achievements. Cusack also scooped the William Hill Sports Book of the Year recently for his autobiography. "Donal Og has a passionate interest in hurling, for his Cloyne Club and County Team, and as Cork Goalkeeper has won All-star and All-Ireland medals, and has also been a great ambassador for sport, fitness and high training standards" said awards organiser Manus O'Callaghan. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7031&Itemid=82 Gardai in Cork City have launched a new card this week that could protect vulnerable members of the public from being conned out of their money by bogus callers and tradesmen. Following a recent spate of crimes in the city, which saw money being conned from members of the public, and elderly residents in particular, the Cork City Garda Division has come up with yellow cards which will be distributed to older persons. These cards can be handed to unwanted callers, requiring them to leave their business card or contact details. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7032&Itemid=82 A Book of condolences has been opened at City Hall this week to honour and remember the victims and survivors of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dara Murphy urged the people of Cork to express their solidarity with the people of Haiti by signing the book of condolences. "The people of Cork have always shown in times of difficulty or crisis that they are a generous and thoughtful people." Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7033&Itemid=82 It was the decade that saw the Second World War and the decade that brought the world nuclear physics, computers and jet aircrafts, the Diary of Anne Frank and Casablanca. While most of us won't remember the decade first-hand, chances are inspiration will come easy for the 1940s themed night at the South County Pub in Douglas this Saturday 6 February. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7034&Itemid=82 Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) is calling for volunteers to help with its Access Award; a special volunteer initiative for CIT students, The CIT Access Service is seeking to enlist 15 high calibre volunteer students to work on CIT Access initiatives. Each student will be given one days training prior to commencing on the programme. The training would involve an overview of CIT Access, child protection issues, working in teams and public speaking. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7035&Itemid=82 The Importance of Maths to everyday life was emphasized recently as 100 students took the subject out of the textbooks and onto the sports field at the National Maritime College (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy. The event was part of the Junior Achievement 'Make Maths Better' initiative, supported by EMC2. The participants, from Togher Girls National School, Sunday's Well Boys National School, North Monastery Secondary School and Bishopstown Community School, completed a series of sport activities and Maths challenges. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7036&Itemid=82 EBS Building Society and INTO today Wednesday 27th January 2010 launched the 2010 National Handwriting Competition and their campaign to enthuse students about the art of handwriting: The competition, now in its 18th year, is open to all national schools throughout the country and its focus is to keep the art of handwriting alive in the schools across the country. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7037&Itemid=82 Ryanair's Michael O'Leary at the press conference at the Ambassador Hotel, Cork yesterday where he announced plans for seven summer sun routes from Cork to Alicante, Barcelona, Bordeaux, Faro, La Rochelle, Malaga and Lanzarote. Photo Billy macGill Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7038&Itemid=82 Maja and Lucy Pederson from Douglas pictured at the Angels Beacons of Hope Exhibition, Bishop Lucy Park, Cork City yesterday. Many artists, musicians, sports people and celebrities have painted and decorated an angel using their own designs to show the nation their interpretation of Hope. Photo: Clare Keogh/Provision Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6833&Itemid=82 Aa shooting victim Gerard Staunton was laid to rest yesterday (Wednesday) Gardai again appealed for a blonde woman who was spotted near the scene of the crime last Wednesday night to come forward. Gardai are also anxious to speak to anyone who attended the AGM of Ballinora GAA club at their grounds near Waterfall last Wednesday night and might have seen something. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6834&Itemid=82 The Cork Independent has this week launched its Haven Haiti Appeal in association with GOAL in a bid to raise funds for the earthquake-devastated country. More than 150,000 people have now been buried following the earthquake on Tuesday 12 January, which reached 7.0 on the Richter Scale, but authorities estimate the number of dead will top 200,000. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6835&Itemid=82 Cork City FC Chairman, Tom Coughlan, yesterday (Wednesday), had his application to lift a 12-month ban from football related activities in Ireland dismissed by the High Court. An FAI Disciplinary Committee's finding that Mr Coughlan had brought the game into disrepute was upheld as the body is not amenable to judicial review, despite being a sporting organisation. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6836&Itemid=82 A Cork City gallery owner, whose business became a real life fish bowl in last year's flooding, has proven that a sense of humour can help Cork businesses stay afloat. Ken Buckley of Buckley Fine Art was contacted on the Friday morning of the flooding and told to log onto the RTE website, where he saw his Fenn's Quay art gallery surrounded by water. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6837&Itemid=82 A young Polish man who sustained ten stab wounds had his kidney, lung and bowel punctured when he was brutally stabbed on Pope's Quay in the city on Saturday morning 23 January. Two Cork teens were charged with the assault of 23-year-old Damian Wilkonski in the early hours of Saturday morning and appeared before Cork District Court on Tuesday. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6838&Itemid=82 Moves by Environment Minister John Gormley to introduce water charges have been met with huge opposition in Cork. Earlier this week the Minister announced that investment in replacing defective water mains will increase to €300 million over the next three years, and will include examining options to ensure delivering of metering and that roll out of meters will likely begin next year. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6839&Itemid=82 Demand for the Swine Flu vaccine in Cork has dropped since the vaccination programme was rolled out last year. According to the HSE South, a total of 4,624 people were vaccinated in Cork during the first week of the programme in October. This figure had fallen to 3,008 last week. A spokesperson for the HSE told the Cork Independent that adverse weather conditions since Christmas had contributed to the drop in numbers. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6840&Itemid=82 People on the local authority housing list are being forced to live next to "anti-christs" and are eventually vacating their houses due to the levels of anti-social behaviour. Monday night's City Council meeting heard that over 50 per cent of applicants for social housing in the city in 2009 had refused homes for a number of reasons ranging from the applicant's wanting a garden to applicants wanting a house rather than an apartment. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6841&Itemid=82 A row has erupted between animal welfare agencies in Cork over the recent find of deceased animals on an abandoned golf course. It was reported last week that four dead horses were discovered on the site of the former Blarney Golf Course. It was suggested that the animals had starved to death. Inspector Ted O'Connor from the Cork SPCA, however, has disputed this, along with many other aspects of the story. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6842&Itemid=82 Residents in Mayfield will be faced with a massively reduced local housing service with the Ard Bhaile office being reduced to a part-time service. Local councillors have slammed the move and say it will affect the most vulnerable in society. The Ard Bhaile office in Mayfield will now have greatly reduced hours, the office used to be open over 30 hours a week and now it will only open for eight hours. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6843&Itemid=82 Three new airline routes from Cork are to be launched as part of a new franchise agreement between two of Ireland's biggest airlines. Operators Aer Arann and Aer Lingus have agreed a franchise arrangement for a number of routes from Cork including new routes between Cork and Glasgow, Jersey in the Channel Islands and La Rochelle in France. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6844&Itemid=82 With less than five weeks to go until the maiden voyage of the MV Julia from Cork to Swansea, the City Council has agreed to invest €200,000 in the project. The re-introduction of the service from 1 March is expected to generate as much as €50 million for the Cork/Kerry region. The significance of the venture to Cork was highlighted last week when CEO of West Cork Tourism Conor Buckley was voted Cork Person of the Year for his work in re-establishing the service. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6845&Itemid=82 A Cork man who was responsible for kick starting the resurrection of the Cork/Swansea Ferry was crowned the 17th Cork Person of the Year at a gala awards lunch at the Fota Island Hotel this week. Conor Buckley from Castletownshend is the chairman of the West Cork Tourism Co-Op and was celebrated for his drive to buy the MV Julia, which sets sail and goes into service on 1 March. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6846&Itemid=82 A Cork-based company has won a three-year contract to publish the onboard tourism magazine for the new Swansea to Cork route with Fastnet Line. The new service sails from Cork on March 1 2010 and will provide Cork and Ireland with a valuable new tourist and business route that is projected to generate over €40m for the region in 2010. RSVP Media Group will publish the magazine, called Seascapes. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6847&Itemid=82 A new report has found that Ireland only has 11 days of energy supplies in reserve. The EU average is around 60 days. The report, Energy Security: Ireland on the Edge, highlights Ireland's dependency on imported energy. It also states that Ireland imports 90 per cent of its total energy use at an estimated cost €6bn to the exchequer every year. The report was published this week by the Ecology Foundation. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6848&Itemid=82 Tourism Ireland is again launching a search for a number of individuals or families to star in a series of short online movies to help promote the island of Ireland overseas and attract more visitors in 2010 and beyond. Initial casting will take place at the end of January, with filming during February and March. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6849&Itemid=82 The Ballintotis Community Council has kicked off its fundraising drive this week following the news that planning permission has been granted for the local community centre. The community council of Ballintotis, which is located between Midleton and Castlemartyr on the main N25 Road, will launch the fundraising drive at the Two Mile Inn, Midleton on Wednesday 3 February. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6850&Itemid=82 Ballycotton RNLI lifeboat's annual fundraising Gala Dinner takes place at Ballymaloe House this coming Saturday, 30 January. Ballymaloe House Gala Dinner starts off a busy for Ballycotton lifeboat fundraising committee. Once again the event was sold out well in advance of the date. Guests are due to arrive from 7pm and take their seats for their meal. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6851&Itemid=82 A coffee morning will take place at the SMA Centre in Wilton from 10am on Thursday 28 January in aid of the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. While on Saturday 30 January amateur and professional artists have donated some of their work for sale at the centre from 10am to 8pm. The sale continues from 10am to 6pm on Sunday 31 January. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6852&Itemid=82 The makers of a documentary celebrating Clonakilty's Michael Collins are to come to Cork in March to fill the role of the 'big fella'. A national fundraising effort for the project was launched in Dublin this week, but will arrive to Cork in March, also looking for some Corkonian cast members. 'Path to Freedom', to be directed by Noel Duffy, will be the first documentary to span the life of Michael Collins since Kenneth Griffith's 'Hang Up Your Brightest Colours' (1972), and will be the first feature-length documentary film for theatrical release. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6853&Itemid=82 A Public seminar on the unused spaces in our city will take place today from 2 to 5pm. 'Slack Spaces, Smarter Cities' is the second public seminar/workshop/forum programmed by the National Sculpture Factory (NSF) in their on-going series looking at urban planning and occupation. The NSF is advocating for an examination of the possible cultural and civic benefits of imaginative, creative and strategic re-use of ubiquitous empty inner-city spaces. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6854&Itemid=82 During the month of February the Cork Vision Centre at St Peter's will be hosting the annual exhibition of a selection of student work from Colaiste Stiofain Naofa. Backstory, a 'behind-the-scenes' account of the genesis of an exhibition will feature a selection of work from Art and Design courses at CSN. Students in Arts Administration (FETAC Level 6) have organised and prepared the exhibition for the Cork public, opening Tuesday 2 February, running through to Wednesday 24 February. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6855&Itemid=82 Calls were made this week on Cork City Council to maximise its investment in the new ferry service between Cork and Swansea. Independent Councillor, Kieran McCarthy, emphasised the importance of the soon-to-be-launched link between the two regions and underlined the need to build on the potential benefits. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6856&Itemid=82 Eoin Turner from Eoin Turner Glass in Blackpool has won a prestigious designer award at Showcase in the RDS this week. Scooping the 'Highly Commended' award in the New Product Awards, Turner, a former fisherman from West Cork, won the prize for his new Vortex collection of sculptured glassware. "I'm thrilled with the award for my new Vortex collection in the Tabletop/Interiors category," said Turner. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6857&Itemid=82 A Cork TD has urged women in Cork this week to take heed to the message of the European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, which runs from 24 to 30 January, urging women to get have screened. Fine Gael TD Deirdre Clune said the prevention week could help save lives by ensuring Irish women are better informed about Cervical Cancer. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6858&Itemid=82 After many years the over 60's competition is returning to Ballinlough. The date for the local heat has been set for Wednesday 17 February in Ballinlough Community Centre at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to attend, an entrance fee of €5 will be collected on the night. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6859&Itemid=82 The Mallow staff of the Barry's Group cashed in from cuppas and cakes recently and managed to raise €2,265 for the Irish Cancer Society. The team of 218 staff presented the cheque this week towards the charity's CHAT helpline, the dedicated telephone support service that allows patients to talk to qualified nurses. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.corkindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6860&Itemid=82 A fund raising event in aid of the victims of the earthquake in Haiti will take place at the SMA centre in Wilton this week. On Thursday 28 January (today) there will be a coffee morning from 10am, on Saturday 30 January 10am to 8pm and Sunday 31 January 10am to 6pm an art sale will take place featuring works of amateur and professional artists who have donated their work in aid of this very worthy cause. Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100