A Concerted effort to market Cork City and County to tourists is needed, with tourism statistics showing a dramatic drop over the past year, according to Cork Fine Gael TD, Bernard Allen. Figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that visitor numbers in 2009 were the lowest since 2005, recording a massive 11.6 per cent drop year on year.

A Former train driver from Wilton has been crowned Graduate of the Year this week for his work while studying for a Commerce Degree at UCC. Owen Dinneen, who graduated from the university with a first-class honours degree last September, also has the honour of becoming the first mature student to be awarded the graduate title.

Cork farmers are being asked this week to send their livestock to prison. Bothar, the international development agency that specialises in the use of livestock, has launched what is now becoming its annual appeal for spring calves. The organisation is seeking the donation of twenty heifer calves, as part of its 'Spring Calf Appeal' to provide animals for its Shelton Abbey rehabilitation project.

The Cork Branch of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland is to hold its AGM and a public education meeting at the Gresham Metropole Hotel on Sunday 7 March. The AGM kicks off at 2pm, while the public meeting will start at 3pm and will be officially opened by Lord Mayor Cllr Dara Murphy. Cork Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Behrooz Golchin, will address the public meeting and will discuss diabetes and eye care.

A Cork student has scooped a European Union prize for his knowledge about healthy eating as part of the EU Healthy Eating Campaign called The Tasty Bunch. Glasheen Boys National School pupil Seamus Hickey proved he was ahead of the health game when he came second place in Europe for taking part in the on-line treasure hunt competition.

Over €23 million was paid out in Cork as compensation for personal injuries last year, according to new figures from the Irish Injuries Board. According to the board, the number of personal injury claims in Cork increased by 29 when compared with 2008, as 1,129 claims were awarded at a cost of €23.6 million last year.

The Frank & Walters will headline a benefit concert in aid of conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf, 'The Little Fighters'. The concert will take place at the Everyman Palace Theatre on 27 February at 8pm. The Little Fighters Fund was set up to aid the conjoined twins Hassan and Hussein, who were born in London just before Christmas.

A New Masters programme will be launched in University College Cork (UCC) next week with the aim of attracting people who hope to work in international affairs. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, will formally launch the MBS in International Public Policy and Diplomacy on Monday 1 March and will give a lecture on contemporary global challenges.

On Saturday 27 February at 8pm Movies by Moonlight will very aptly screen Duncan Jones' 2009 award winning sci-fi film Moon. Starring Sam Rockwell, Moon is a remarkably shot psychological thriller that gives an intense close up of the mental state of a lone astronaut on a lunar base. Movies by Moonlight is a film club that offers screenings with guided stargazing on the last Saturday of every month at Blackrock Castle Observatory.

Plans are well advanced for the Carrigaline annual set dance festival workshop weekend, which takes place in the Carrigaline GAA Pavilion on Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March. Set dance enthusiasts from many parts of Ireland, US, UK and Germany have already booked in for the weekend. The weekend kicks off on Friday night with a workshop on Sean nos dancing given by Suzanne Leahy.