Major buildings to go green
Parades have been cancelled across Cork but that doesn’t mean St Patrick’s Day isn’t being celebrated.
More than 30 buildings will go green across Cork city and county for the day while there will also be online musical performances, exhibitions and parade workshops.
The theme of the Cork St Patrick’s festival, organised by Cork City Council, is meitheal and the festival will reflect on what has been positive in our experience of the year past, and the rich seam of community spirit and support that the pandemic has brought into focus.
Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Joe Kavanagh said: “The past 12 months, for all their hardship, have revealed the best in us.
“They have shown that a sense of community and responsibility to one another remain core to who we are as a people and a community.
“The Cork St Patrick’s Festival is a celebration of our city’s sense of solidarity and pride and we pay tribute to all our communities who have given so much of themselves throughout the pandemic."
Meanwhile Cork County Council has also announced details of a number of virtual St Patrick’s Day activities, along with a range of local events.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “St Patrick’s Day is poignant this year, as our usual parades and street celebrations are re-imagined for a second year. This past year has proven we are adaptable and innovative, we are a community that cares and looks out for one another, and while the battle to beat this virus continues, we find new ways to mark special occasions.
“The creativity of our local communities is as always outstanding,” she concluded.
Buildings and monuments set to light up include Blackrock Castle, the Shakey Bridge, City Hall, Blarney Castle, County Hall, Macroom Town Hall, Carnegie Hall in Millstreet, Carrigaline Bridge, Midleton Library, Midleton Court House, Youghal Clock Gate Tower and Youghal Town Hall.
Mallow Castle and Spa House will also shine green while Mallow Town Hall will be festively decorated.
Meanwhile Mallow’s Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee has invited anyone with ideas for its 2022 parade to get in touch with Noel O'Connor on 087-2738222 or Maire Ui Bhrian at the Naoinire, in Mallow GAA Sports Complex.
Visit corkstpatricksfestival.ie and corkcoco.ie.