County Mayor's Diary Councillor Gillian Coughlan

Spring has arrived! 1 February heralds the first day of spring for me, it’s what we were taught in school and isn’t it wonderful to be leaving the winter behind us.

This spring it’s not all we are leaving behind us, the strict Covid-19 restrictions are behind us too and I can see the change that has brought already.

It is a time of new life, lambs gambolling in fields, calving season in full swing, birds busy chirping and feeding. My bird feeders and bird bath are at maximum capacity now and similarly it’s what I’m hoping for across the county’s hospitality businesses this year.

I’m hoping for a bumper season of tourists touring and exploring our county. The opportunity to celebrate occasions with family and friends is possible this spring and I would encourage you to do so, make new memories and support our local hospitality businesses in the process.

I have dined out with family and friends over the past fortnight and it’s been heart-warming to see the smiling happy faces and hear laughter.

I am excited to meet you in person and attend the many events being planned for our villages and towns over the coming months. I would encourage you to avail of the funding opportunities for creative projects recently announced by Cork County Council.

The council is administering three government funded schemes that aim to support artists, performers and community groups. Applications are now open for the Creative County Cork Grants Scheme, Cruinniú na nÓg and the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme. The last two years have been extremely challenging for the live performance industry. Application details can be found on Cork County Council’s online portal at yourcouncil.ie.

I am really looking forwarding to hosting the Annual Mayor’s Community Awards which is an opportunity to acknowledge just some of the local heroes that dedicate their time and efforts into making their community a better place.

So if you know of a special individual or group who made a difference in 2021 please come forward and make your nomination by contacting your local County Councillor before Tuesday 15 February. Submission of nomination details can be found on Cork County Council’s online portal at yourcouncil.ie.

Two homes I visited over the weekend had beautiful jugs of daffodils on the table and it always reminds me of some of my favourite lines from William Wordsworth’s: “A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”

Those lines remind me of walking anywhere in our beautiful county at this time of year.

And then this line sums up the start of spring for me and how I feel: “And then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils.”

Stay safe and keep well.