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Words from the streets


Once an important part of the British Empire, the city


saw waves of immigrants who added to Cork’s continual reinvention, McNamee says. “The city has a history of looking out from Ireland,” he adds. Robert Nodwell, journalist with the Cork Independent,


points to local pride in the county with the most southerly point in Ireland. “Geographically, Cork is the largest of the 32 counties on


the lusciously green island of Ireland but it could be argued that, charismatically, it is larger than all the other counties combined. The local folk take more pride in their home than a mother in her newborn baby,” he says. He adds that sport is a major part of the city: “Corkonians


are a diverse bunch, with sport one of the driving factors behind their epicness.” Former Manchester United duo Roy Keane and Denis Irwin are from Cork. “The county is perhaps best known for its exploits in hurling, with a sea of red adorning the sweet spots of the under-renovation Pairc Ui Chaoimh on warm summer days,” he says. “Cork has won the Liam McCarthy Cup an astonishing 30


times, a feat surpassed only by kingpins Kilkenny, whose obsession with the hurl is a distinct advantage considering Cork’s eclectic palette when it comes to fi eld sports.” Nodwell adds that Cork is also a strong force in Gaelic football, soccer and rugby. The incredible stretch of coastline also means that water sports are played.


C Where the work is


RTÉ: Ireland’s national TV and radio broadcaster has around 30 staff based in the city centre. It also uses freelance staff on a project-by-project basis. RTÉ Cork has a news team and production centre that work on factual programmes. Output includes RTÉ One/2, Radio One and RTÉ news.


Landmark Media: Landmark, owner of the Irish Examiner, employs about 200 staff in Cork. The Irish Examiner’s


head offi ce is in the city plus it has an offi ce in Dublin, four political correspondents based in and around Leinster House (the parliament building in Dublin) as well as staff in Limerick. It also uses freelancers around the country. The company produces online news platform news.ie.


IFN Newspaper Group: About 15 staff in the city in total, including sales, at free weekly newspaper The Cork Independent.


ultural events are always taking place, according to Baker. It’s also not a bad place if you’re a foodie.


“This is the part of the country where modern Irish food originated,” says


McNamee, pointing out that Ireland’s fi rst Michelin star restaurant was in Cork back in 1973. Nodwell adds: “Without doubt the food capital of Ireland,


Cork has dozens of restaurants to suit every need, with a host of new eateries lining the streets of the city over the past 18 months, while the nightlife is also brimming with character and activity. “The infl ux of non-nationals in recent times has given the


city a major lift, with thousands of young people giving Cork a vibrant boost which has enriched the culture even further.” And how does it compare to Dublin? “In general, Cork has a few economic advantages over Dublin as a place to work,” says Baker. “Rents and house prices are generally less.” The city was, of course, badly hit by the recession of the mid-noughties and beyond but has been rejuvenated. Nodwell says this has happened in the past two years in particular.


“There is a plethora of pharmaceutical companies on the


outskirts of the city which have helped the county get back on its feet,” he explains. “Foreign multinationals know that if you want a job done properly, then you call a Corkman.” And it’s clear that the skill for which the Irish are famous is


in plentiful supply. “The locals are known for their boundless ability to spin


a line,” says Nodwell. “Visitors to the area are able to acquire this unique talent by kissing the renowned Blarney Stone, which is in one of the most majestically maintained areas in the whole of Ireland. “We are more than verbally profi cient – but it is the pen


that we excel at. The award-winning University College Cork boasts by far the most stunning campus in the country and consistently produces academic royalty. A degree from UCC is more treasured than the sword of King Arthur himself.”


Paschal Sheehy RTE southern editor: “We have a nice compact city – if you walk down the main street, you’ll probably see two or three people you know. It’s vibrant, welcoming and enjoyable.”


Joe McNamee, food writer: “The quality of life is fantastic. We’re 25 minutes from the beach. There’s world- class food and produce in Cork – it’s known as the Irish food capital.”


Noel Baker, senior reporter at The Irish Examiner: “Cork took a few blows during the recession and maybe the recovery wasn’t as quick as it was in Dublin. But the situation has improved hugely, with redevelopments taking place in the city centre.”


Robert Nodwell, journalist at the Cork Independent: “It can be argued that the jewel in the crown is west Cork. The coastline and beaches are stunning, with Inchydoney Strand recently winning the Ireland’s Best Beach award for the third successive year.”


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