Christmas Message from the Lord Mayor of Cork

Tá an-athás orm fáilte a fhearadh romhaibh go dtí príomhcathair chultúrtha na hEorpa 2005. Ré nua i saol na cathrach atá ann go deimhin fhéin. Seo í an chathair nua anois, an ceartlár nua-aimsearthach, ceantar nua agus áit nua ina mbeidh daoine sásta a saol a chaitheamh inti, mar aon lena gcuid oibre agus a gcuid ealaíon a thabhairt chun críche agus a fheabhsú in aonacht.

Christmas is time for family, friends and community. Its also a time to put the feet up and enjoy a well-deserved rest with those we love. The spirit of Christmas is shown by our goodwill and friendship towards others; despite the commercialism of the season I see that evidence of the Christmas spirit throughout the city every day.

Christmas is also a time for caring and sharing – as you go about your Christmas shopping we might give whatever you can afford to the various charities who are fundraising at this time. Our donations are crucial to the day to day running of so many charitable organisations in this city.

Those of us surrounded by our family and friends at this time should remember that there are some people who are separated from their families by distance or circumstance.

Many of our citizens, particularly the elderly, may experience a great sense of loneliness at this time of year. If we are aware of a relative, friend or neighbour whom we think might enjoy a chat or someone to share a cup of tea with, please make the effort to call.

Remember too those who will be in hospital; it can be a lonely and sad place to spend Christmas. 

While most of us will be having a well-deserved rest during the festive season, our essential services such as ESB, Fire Services, Gardai, telephones and medical services continue to operate. They will be foregoing the time with their dear ones to ensure our comfort and safety.

When you are contacting your friends and relatives at this time of year do not forget to remind them that Cork will be the European Capital of Culture in 2005- this will give them plenty of time to organise a visit to our city!

Cork 2005 is about communities, about ordinary people in 2005, priceless works of art hang in Cork City at the same time as community based projects take place all over the city.

It is a major tourism asset for the country and for Cork, with visitors destined to be attracted to Cork from all over the world. Beyond these benefits, the designation allows Cork to reposition itself for the decades to come. Cork 2005 is a beginning for Cork and not something that will end with the year. 2005 promises to be an extraordinary moment for Cork, a unique time to live in Cork and a unique time to visit Cork. An historic and brilliant Designation and one not to be repeated in Ireland for a generation.

May I wish you and yours a Happy and a Holy Christmas,
Nollaig Shona dhaoibh go léir,

Councillor Sean Ó Mairtín,
Lord Mayor of Cork

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