Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Emmet O’Halloran.

Cork should have its own day of celebration to mark our unique culture and heritage, the Deputy Lord Mayor has said.
Cllr Emmet O’Halloran said Cork people around the world could join together to celebrate all things Cork.
He said such an event would be akin to other celebrations worldwide, such as ‘Cataluña Day’ or the annual holiday of Quebec.
“Many people have left Cork in recent times and I believe that the people of the area should have a special day that allows them to celebrate their unique culture and heritage,” he said.
The idea of a Cork Day could tie in with The Gathering, the Government plan to encourage all people of Irish descent to visit the country in 2013.
Cllr O’Halloran said the concept of a ‘Cork Day’ could also deliver an economic dividend to the region.
“We have seen how the celebration of Arthur’s Day every year by Diageo has resulted in millions of euro of free publicity globally.
“In offices and building sites around the world there are literally thousands of people with a connection to the city and county in some way.
“An annual celebration of ‘Cork Day’ could result in this large group reconnecting with Cork and could in time increase awareness about what the region has to offer to work colleagues and friends.”
The Deputy Lord Mayor said an online poll could be conducted to decide on what day ‘Cork Day’ could be celebrated.
“It’s about getting people to be imaginative and to reach out to the global audience by saying Cork is welcoming and open for business. Here’s what’s great about our city and county, why not come and visit?”