THE family of a Cork man who died after an incident at a Cork city night club is pledging to take the case to Europe to get justice.
Adrian Moynihan from Ballincollie Road in Ballyvolane, died on March 26, 2001, following an incident at the Sidetrax nightclub in Cork city.

Andrew and Lilly Moynihan hold a picture of their son adrian who was killed outside a cork nightclub
pic michael mac sweeney/provision

An inquest in 2003 found he had died of asphyxiation arising from the manner in which he was restrained at the club.
The jury delivered a verdict of death by misadventure, after the matter had been  adjourned to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) consider the opinion of State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy.
The DPP, having previously considered a Garda file on the matter, decided that nobody should be prosecuted in relation to the death.
The case was one of more than 200 looked at by the seven-member Independent Review Commission to establish if it should be referred to the Garda Ombudsman Commission or to an existing commission of inquiry examining complaints by garda whistle-blowers.
However, the Moynihan family received a letter from the Department of Justice in recent days, telling them that the review team did not “recommend further action by the Minister.” The letter continued: “In coming to this view, counsel took account of the fact that it is not possible that either an inquiry or any other form of ministerial direction, can be employed to cause the DPP to revise her independently arrived at and statutory independent decision.”
Adrian’s brother Alan said the family are devastated by the letter.
He said: “We can’t believe that once again we have been set back, we are disgusted with the justice system and we are appalled by the disrespect shown to us the victims and families of victims.” And he pledged to continue the family’s fight to get justice by taking the case to the European courts.

The Government should provide dedicated support to teachers to help them include tchnologies such as video games into their lessons, according to a UCC  professor.

Teachers should be trained to exploit technology such as MinecraftEdu, a school-ready remix of the smash hit video game Minecraft, to increase their students’ ability to use logical argument, urged Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at UCC, Patrick Fitzpatrick.

Adam Donovan, who plays George Boole in the UCC tours; Dr Michael Murphy, President, UCC; and Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at UCC, Patrick Fitzpatrick, with pupils from Bunscoil Chríost Rí, Greenmount National School and St Maries of the Isle in Cork. Image: Daragh McSweeney

He warned that the recent OECD report on the value of computers in schools needs cautious interpretation, and claimed that with careful monitoring of the quality of their experience, children’s interaction with technology can be hugely beneficial.

Professor Fitzpatrick was speaking at the launch of UCC Brings Boole2School. This education initiative, the first of its kind, will result in school students across the globe studying logic in a Boolean Maths lesson, all on the same day — November 2, the bicentenary of Boole’s birth.

Upon registration to the initiative, teachers receive free age-appropriate lesson plans, puzzles and worksheets, developed by Maths Circles Ireland in consultation with teachers, and available in English, Irish and Mandarin, for students aged 8 to 18. More than 24,000 school students across eight different countries are already signed up to take the lessons.

Dr Michael Murphy, President, UCC said: “UCC Brings Boole2School is hugely significant in that it will introduce teachers and students worldwide to the work and remarkable achievements of George Boole, our first Professor of Mathematics. The initiative will emphasise the long-term value of supporting creativity and research.”

The subject of logic itself is rarely taught in the modern curriculum, and it is often regarded as rather lifeless and uninteresting, Professor Fitzpatrick said. “However, the overwhelming majority of school students play computer games, and these provide an avenue for the study of elementary logic in an environment that is both familiar and enjoyable.”

To engage students in the use of logic, in the Boole2School lessons they will learn how Boolean operators play a central role behind the scenes in the video games Candy Crush Saga and Minecraft.

According to Professor Fitzpatrick, “logical thinking is a central element in the learning process and for more than two millennia logic has been the basis of rational argument. Using simple truth tables and logic puzzles, students taking the Boole2School lessons learn how statements or situations may be combined and manipulated using the logical operations of AND, OR and NOT.”

“In this way students are introduced to principles on which they can build clarity of thought and understanding of complex ideas, thus providing them with essential tools towards successful learning.”

Bob Savage, Vice President and Managing Director of EMC Centres of Excellence EMEA and head of EMC Ireland, commented: “Boolean logic is at the heart of the video game and computer science, and engaging young pupils through a medium they understand and enjoy is an innovative way of encouraging STEM learning and promoting STEM careers.

“EMC is pleased to support this initiative, particularly as the Irish and global tech economies demand more graduates knowledgeable in technical subjects.”

Michelle Sliney, Principal of Coláiste Choilm in Ballincollig said the initiative will highlight “the hugely significant contributions of George Boole not just to Mathematics, but also to IT, and ultimately to the way we live today.”

COUNTY councillors were denied an opportunity to vote on the proposals to merge Cork city and county councils yesterday amid an apparent wavering of support for the amalgamation from Fianna Fáil.

County Mayor John Paul O’Shea refused to allow a vote on the issue, saying it was too significant to be voted on when some councillors were missing from the chamber.

Fianna Fáil county councillors, who had previously stated their support for a merger, yesterday called for the issue to be “paused” and put to a public vote after the next general election.
Sinn Fein had earlier called for a debate on the matter in County Hall amid criticism that county councillors hadn’t discussed the issue since the Smiddy Report was published.
Sinn Fein’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said his party was in favour of retaining two local authorities, with a regional authority overseeing some broader issues.
County councillors — with the exception of Sinn Fein — have broadly been supportive of the proposed merging of the two local authorities while city councillors are vehemently opposed.
However, Fianna Fáil county councillor Seamus McGrath, the party leader on the council, said he believed the public should now have the final say on the matter.
Cllr McGrath has stated that the merger was the “best option” but yesterday said the acrimonious nature of the debate in recent weeks had damaged the city and county.
He said: “The debate has been acrimonious. At this stage the pause button has to be pressed until after the general election. The final say on this should be given to the general public. Let there be a proper, informed debate rather than a them and us situation,” he said.
His party colleague, Kevin O’Keeffe, also said the issue should be decided by a vote of the people, suggesting a plebiscite on the matter.
However, the majority of county councillors were still strongly in favour of the merging of the two authorities.
Fine Gael’s Michael Hergarty said a lot of the complaints from city-based TDs and councillors was “political point- scoring” ahead of an election.
He said: “I believe the implementation group should be allowed to get on with its work. The merger will make Cork a better place,” he said.
Independent cllr Alan Coleman also said the implementation group should be let do its work.
He said:“The process should be allowed continue. It’s unfortunate that we’ve had a lot of negative comment about this, it isn’t helpful.”
County Mayor John Paul O’Shea refused to allow a vote on the issue, saying it was too significant to be voted on when some councillors were missing from the chamber.
He also ruled that standing orders would not permit the vote because the majority of councillors had already given their support for the merger when they backed a submission to the Smiddy Group within the last six months.
See P7 for more.

TIDY Towns committees in Cork were celebrating after yesterday’s awards recognised groups all over the county.
More than 800 towns were vying for the prizes nationwide, with six Cork towns issued gold medals in recognition of their work. Five silver medals and five bronze medals were also handed out to Cork towns, alongside some ‘endeavour’ prizes which recognise year-on-year improvement.
There was surprise and celebrations for the Togher Tidy Towns committee which was issued with a special award for its youth work yesterday. The Youth Award celebrates the contributions of young people to Tidy Towns activities and aims to encourage greater youth involvement in the groups.

Carolyn Miller, Brenda Hallahan, Geraldine Sutton, Maria Nyhan, Paul Hyde and Ken McCarthy from Togher Tidy Towns and Foroige celebrate their National Super Valu Youth Award for their Tact Project Foroige pictured at the National Tidy Towns Awards in the Helix, Dublin. Picture: Howard Crowdy

New for 2015, the Youth Award was given to the Togher group for their TACT project community garden which has seen young people in the area involved in all elements of a garden, from planting and growing the plants and vegetables to designing a mural on its back wall.
Foróige youth workers Maria Nyhan and Pat Conway run the project. They have co-ordinated with community warden Geraldine Sutton and the local Tidy Towns committee on clean-ups.
Ms Nyhan said the group was delighted to have been recognised for the project, which has been running since 2009. She said: “It came as quite a shock but we’re very proud of all of the young people who have been involved over the years. We are delighted.”
Congratulations for the project also came from Togher councillor Fergal Dennehy, who said the award recognised ‘incredible thinking outside the box’.
Cllr Dennehy said, “I’m thrilled for everyone involved. Togher Tidy Towns is developing every year and improving marks and it’s particularly good to see so many young people involved.”
Elsewhere in the county, Ballincollig, Kinsale and Coolagown all retained their gold medals, and were this year joined by Cobh, Clonakilty and Rathbarry.
Carrigaline, Youghal and Timoleague were among the committees celebrating their silver medals, with annual improvements in Kildorrey, Midleton and Coachford all recognised with endeavour prizes. Cobh’s gold medal represents a remarkable turnaround for the town, which was listed as Ireland’s worst litter spot by Irish Business Against Litter in 2009. The town claimed silver last year and jumped by seven points to enter the top tier this time around. It now ranks third in the Cork south category.
Hendrick Verwey, chairman of the Cobh Tidy Towns committee, said their gold medal came as a ‘nice surprise.’
“It’s a big jump, seven points in a year. We are absolutely delighted and it’s a nice recognition after a number of years of hard work. We hoped we’d keep our silver from last year, but gold is a dream!”
Mr Verwey said the group, which has some 20 regular volunteers, will continue to work hard to keep Cobh looking clean, vibrant and litter-free.
“We do it because we have pride in our town and we will continue to do it because we like where we live.”
Ballincollig, meanwhile, continues to set its high standards, ranking in the top 30 in Ireland and retaining its gold medal from last year.
Speaking from the awards ceremony at the Helix in Dublin yesterday, Tom Butler, chairman of the Ballincollig Tidy Towns committee said the result was the culmination of a year of hard work.
“We went up by six points. We’re in the top 30 in Ireland. Once you get a gold medal you’re in the top tier. We’re thrilled to bits. The work has paid off.”
Mr Butler added that the work doesn’t stop here and that the committee will be back working tomorrow to see if they can improve next year.
“It’s a bit like waiting for your Leaving Cert results. It’s a very anxious time. The most important thing now is to look at the report in depth and see where we can improve. We’re back out again tomorrow night. It doesn’t stop.”
The prize for Ireland’s Tidiest Town was awarded to Letterkenny, Co Donegal at yesterday’s ceremony.
Full details of all this year’s winners are available at www.tidytowns.ie and www.supervalu.ie.

Minister Simon Coveney declared that a package of roads investment worth hundreds of millions of euro announced today will see Cork develop as an economic counterbalance to Dublin.
Long-awaited funding for three strategic Cork roads were announced as part of the government’s €27bn budget for capital projects from 2016 to 2021:
*Approximately €200m each for the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road, the Dunkettle Interchange and the Macroom bypass.*A planning application for the upgrade of the N28 is to be lodged by the end of the year which will allow the Port of Cork move ahead with its expansion.
*There will also be funding for flood defences in the city.
Minister Coveney described Cork as the big winner in today’s announcement.

Minister Coveney who made the announcement today

“These are the biggest infrastructural projects announced for Cork since the Tunnel was built. This is further proof that Cork city is moving in the right direction and in an exciting way.
“The N28 is the most strategic road outside of Dublin. In the next five years we will have these new roads, an event centre, a stadium of international standard and more jobs.
“This is an exciting time for economic growth and opportunity.”

A PRIEST from the Lough was nicknamed ‘Cork’s Fast Walking Priest’ by fellow pilgrims as he completed the 879km route across France and Spain in above average time.
Fr Paul O’Donoghue completed the pilgrimage in 32 days, which is a full two days faster than the suggested timeframe.

Fr Paul O’Donoghue of the Lough who has been nicknamed ‘Cork’s Fast Waling Priest”

And his parish followed his progress every step of the way, via a map which they erected in the church, which was parish member Eadaoin Delany’s idea.
“We set up a map of his journey and had a little photo of him which we moved along everyday as he reached the next village or town,” said Ms Delany.
“He kept us well informed of his efforts by Viber and SMS, and he sent us photos which I stuck up around the map to show how well he was doing,” she said.
“It was great. It really brought us closer as a community. We walked it with him in spirit as a parish, but from the comfort of our sofas,” said Ms Delany.
Fr O’Donoghue had trained for months before undertaking the mountainous route which saw him cross from France over the Pyrenees into Spain, trekking through intense heat, torrential rain and over rocky ground.
“It was very difficult, but it was the experience of a lifetime,” said Fr O’Donoghue, who had aleady completed 18 marathons in the past, and who proudly wore his Cork Marathon tee-shirt on his European pilgrimage. It was tremendous having the support of the parish, it really gave me a boost,” said Fr O’Donoghue, who walked on average 34k each day.
He believes that it is vitally important to do the physical training beforehand, but to remember that it is a spiritual journey too.
“The first section is a test for the body, getting used to covering long distances on foot while carrying your belongings; but the next phase is about the mind, you’re alone with your thoughts for such a long time that you’re thrown back in on yourself,” he said.
“And the final phase is about the soul. The journey gives you a chance to reflect on your life.On the camino, you’re encouraged to carry a stone to which you tell all your hopes and fears. When you reach the end you leave that stone there, it’s a liberating experience,” he said.
“And a saying of the Camino is, ‘of all the paths you take in life, make sure that some of them are dirt,’ to remind you that no matter what struggles you face, they are part of life, we all have our mountains to overcome.”

MINISTER of state Dara Murphy survived a close challenge from party colleague Senator Colm Burke last night to secure the Fine Gael nomination to put his name forward in Cork North Central.
He saw off Senator Burke by 188 votes to 172 at the Ambassador Hotel – much closer than expected.

Fine Gael Cork North Central Selection Convention, at the Ambassador Hotel, Military Hill last night. 
Dara Murphy TD, Paudie Coffey TD Convention Chairman and Senator Colm Burke, prior to the start of the Convention.
Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Senator Burke said the close vote showed there was room for a second candidate in Cork North Central and that his supporters had made a case to the national executive.
Supporters of Minister Murphy admitted they were worried about the result when they saw the number of delegates who turned out from the county side of the constituency – Senator Burke’s native territory.
The Minister for European Affairs has been under the glare of the national spotlight in recent days after getting a lift from gardaí from north Cork to Dublin for a flight when his car broke down on the motorway in the early hours of the morning.
He answered an emphatic “no” when asked by the Evening Echo if he had considered his future at any point in recent days, and stood by his decision to ask for the assistance of gardaí to bring him to Dublin.
“It was a difficult situation to be put in. I had a choice to make and I made it on the night, in the dark and in the rain at 3.30am. I am certainly very grateful for the support that I have got.”
He admitted he was surprised at how the story had become part of the national conversation but that he wished to draw a line under it.
“This is an issue that certainly seemed to attract an enormous amount of attention. I think I have answered all of the questions on many occasions now and I don’t propose to re-answer them again. Other than I will say that I work extremely hard, particularly over weekends. I travel a lot. It is difficult for TDs who are commuting a lot from outside of the capital city.”
He said he would be asking voters to give their number two preference vote to Labour minister of state Kathleen Lynch, adding she had done a fine job in her portfolio.
Meanwhile, in Cork South Central, Simon Coveney and Jerry Buttimer were selected for Fine Gael.

Update at 7.40pm: Cork City Councillors have voted to cut the Local Property Tax rate by 10%.

Cork City Council are meeting tonight to discuss Local Property Tax rates for 2016.

The Anti Austerity Alliance (AAA) senior councillor is Cllr Mick Barry, who is proposing the rate be cut by the maximum 15%.

The AAA council members have said they will not support any Council budget that includes cuts to local services, which has been threatened if Local Property Tax rate is cut by 15%.

So here's a summary of the parties' position on the LPT rate. FG 10% increase, FF 10% decrease, SF & AAA 15% decrease. Indps vary #corkcc

— Eoin English (@EoinBearla) September 29, 2015

Fine Gael are proposing a 10% increase on rates, while Fianna Fail are in support of a 10% decrease.

Sinn Fein and AAA members are proposing a 15% decrease.

Independents votes are varying.

That's the reality for thousands of families out there who are struggling, counting the pennies every day to buy the basics he says #corkcc

— Eoin English (@EoinBearla) September 29, 2015

HOMEOWNERS in Cork city will have to pay €20 less in property taxes per year for the average home than their county neighbours after councillors last night voted to maintain the 10% reduction they agreed last year.
Councillors in the county this week decided on just a 5% cut creating a difference between the two authorities for the first time.
It means a house valued at €245,000 in the county will attract a Local Property Tax (LPT) of €385 while a similar house in the city will cost €365 in taxes.
In City Hall last night, Sinn Féin and the Anti Austerity Alliance sought to cut the tax by a maximum 15% despite a warning from officials it would result in a loss of funding of €535,000.
Significantly, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Chris O’Leary, broke ranks with his party and supported a Fianna Fáil proposal for a 10% cut which was also supported by some independent councillors.
A 10% cut was the maximum the council could have made without having to make budget cuts, and it was passed by 14 votes to 10.
Fine Gael and independent councillor Paudie Dineen had proposed a 10% increase in the property tax to raise funds for extra services.
Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill also proposed adding €2 per week to the rent of Cork City Council housing tenants as a contribution towards the Property Tax bill as the Council currently pays the tax on the almost 9,000 council homes.
In making their case for a 15% cut, Sinn Féin councillors said they made a promise on the doorsteps ahead of the last elections they would always seek the maximum possible property tax cut and would stay true to their word.
Asked why he did not support his party’s proposal for a 15% cut, Cllr O’Leary said he was above politics in his role as Lord Mayor and did not want to see a further drop in the income of the council than that already imposed by the Government.
“I am looking at the housing crisis we are facing and have taken a pragmatic approach,” he said.
“If I was back on the Sinn Féin benches I would have voted for the 15% cut but as Árd Mheara I made my decision as the independent chair of the Council,” he said.
However, Cllr Mick Barry of the Anti-Austerity Alliance criticised his stance saying: “It’s not often you see a split in the Sinn Féin camp.
“I think a lot of people will be disappointed that the Lord Mayor refused to back the maximum 15% cut.”
The Sinn Féin leader in City Hall, Cllr Henry Cremin, said that a 15% cut might only mean a few extra
cents each week but said people were living on the breadline. Independent councillor Paudie Dineen made
an emotional appeal to fellow councillors for an increase in the Local Property Tax by 10% to raise €1.6m to fund the housing adaptations needed to council homes.
“It is our duty to step up to the mark and vote for an increase,” he said.
Clle Des Cahill of Fine Gael said that while Ireland’s economy is growing at twice the European average, and Cork’s unemployment has fallen by a quarter, our parks and roads are still in a bad way and hit out at councillors demanding “populist” property tax cuts.
Following the debate the Lord Mayor held a vote on all three options; a cut of 15%, a cut of 10% and a 10% increase.
Following this first vote, the 10% increase was eliminated before councillors voted again on whether to cut the Local Property Tax by 10% or 15%. The 10% cut was approved by 14 votes to 10

CORK’s city centre has been officially recognised for its vibrant and diverse nightlife.

The city has been awarded a Purple Flag which recognises towns and cities which offer entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable nights out.
It is an accreditation similar to that of the Blue Flag for beaches. However the Purple Flag focuses on the safety, appeal, movement within and management of the city centre between the hours of 5pm to 5am.

The Cork City Centre Forum said today their application for the Purple Flag was successful and involved the collaboration and commitment of over 40 city centre stakeholders and traders working together.
Gillian Keating, Chair of the Forum said the award is a further jewel in the crown for Cork and places the city amongst a select group that are celebrated for their unique and appealing evening experience. “This application process has been fantastic for highlighting the great work that is ongoing and the projects that are being undertaken in and around the City; Cork is clearly going from strength to strength,” she said.

“The process has also provided a platform for stakeholders that would not ordinarily meet on a regular basis to work together with City Council and An Garda Síochána for the greater benefit of the City. Again, I am delighted that this result has been announced and now it’s time to promote it by celebrating this great city that we are lucky to live in and be a part of.”
Cork City Council Chief Executive, Ann Doherty said: “Cork City is energised, we have the people and we have the ideas, and we are delighted with this announcement for the City, which once again recognises the culture and diversity of Cork City reaffirming what we all know, that Cork is second to none. This is a great result for the City and one that will benefit the City as a marketing and promotion tool as we share the message that Cork City is a destination not to be missed”.

Michelle O’Sullivan, Purple Flag Coordinator, Cork Chamber said the achievement once again crystallised Cork’s place on the international and national stage as a must-visit location. “There is great enthusiasm and spirit here in Cork to continuously improve on our city offering and the achievement of this award is a testament to the ongoing projects and the plans for the future. The City truly has something for everyone, and the City’s offering is growing all the time.”

The Purple Flag Academy Awards ceremony will take place on November 3rd in Guildford in the UK. Here all newly awarded cities and towns from Ireland and the UK will receive their awards to take back to their respective areas.

A delegation from the People’s Convention visited City Hall, Cork, and handed in a petition to the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Chris O’Leary, of over 22,000 people in the city to oppose water charges.
Video: Denis Minihane.

THE controversial Cork petition opposing water charges has been accepted by the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Chris O’Leary, having been previously refused by his predecessor.
The 22,000 signatures were collected by the CPPC group and presented to Cork’s First Citizen in his office in City Hall yesterday.
The CPPC group had intended on presenting the awards to the previous Lord Mayor, Fianna Fáil Cllr Mary Shields, in May but she refused saying her office was apolitical and that water responsibility no longer rests with local councils.
However in June Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary was elected Lord Mayor and this week agreed to accept the petition. He said he will present it to the Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the launch of the 1916 commemorations in Dublin next week.
“We are delighted the Lord Mayor accepted the petition, it is proper order. The voice of the people must be heard,” Diarmaid Ó Cadhla of the CPPC group said. “Families throughout Cork are angry. The Water Charge has come to reflect all of the wrongs of recent years and people are determined that it shall not pass.”

Diarmaid Ó Cadhla and Michael Mohally of The People’s Convention handing over a petition to the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Chris O’Leary, of over 22,000 people in the city to oppose water charges during a visit by a delegation from The People’s Convention to City Hall. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Forty new jobs are set to be created by the opening of a new laundry facility in Cork, with up to 200 total positions expected by 2018.

Kings Laundry, Ireland’s leading supplier of linen and laundry services to the hospitality sector, have announced a €12 million investment into a 3.5 acre site at Little Island.

The purpose built, state-of-the-art 40,000 sq. ft. facility is set to open in May 2016.

Announcing the development, Alan Murphy, Sales Director at Kings Laundry said;

“We’re delighted to be expanding our business with the construction of our new facility in Cork.

“The primary purpose of the new operation is to ensure we continue to offer an unbeatable service to our customers in the Munster region.

“We already have an extensive client base in Cork and the surrounding counties and we are looking to grow this even further.”

Pictured at the site of the new facility are Robert McGovern, Managing Director, Kings Laundry and Alan Murphy, Sales Director. Pic by Diane Cusack

SUSPECTS for a series of burglaries across Cork evaded capture after a massive manhunt which included a dramatic high-speed car chase at rush hour.
The manhunt started before 5pm yesterday evening when gardaí spotted a Northern Irish-registered black Subaru estate vehicle on the Lower Glanmire Road.
What followed was a high speed chase through country roads close to the city.
The vehicle had been linked to burglaries in Cork city and county in recent days. It is believed to be used by a gang of criminals based in the Dublin area who travel across the country to carry out burglaries.
When gardaí tried to stop the vehicle, it sped off on to the Dublin road at Dunkettle.
It left the motorway and travelled back roads in the Glenville and Carrignavar areas. At that point, several gardaí from Cork city and the Cork North garda division were involved in the chase, while the air support unit from Dublin were also tasked.
However, gardaí lost the vehicle on roads close to Rathcormac and efforts to locate it since have failed. Gardai in other divisions were alerted but were no further sightings.
It is not known how many people were in the car at the time.
People on their way home from work saw the chase underway and sources said it was a miracle that no accidents occurred given that the chase coincided with rush hour.
A text alert was issued to people in the Fermoy area appealing for help in tracing the vehicle.
Superintendent Mick Finn appealed for any witnesses to come forward with information by contacting Anglesea Street Garda station on 021-4522000.

A young Cork man has big shoes to fill after designing his first pair of trainers for sportswear giant Puma.
Former CIT Visual Communications student Con O’Brien from Glounthaune will see his new design sported by Arsenal and Chelsea players and across the world. But the 22 year old said he’s most looking forward to seeing a kid from Cork pick the runners off the shelf when he touches down on home turf soon.

Con was plucked from obscurity last October to fill the role of one of Puma’s designers at their headquarters in Germany. With just a few months to complete the project, he was up against a tight deadline but the former graffiti artist is glad his hard work is finally paying off. His new evoSPEED and evoPower trainers were inspired by the reflective lights on astro-turf pitches and are emblazoned with a bold contrast of blue and orange.
They hit the market a year after Con applied for the job online following a disheartening period of school and later college which he said was severely tainted by dyslexia.
“I remember hating school. I was terrible at business, maths – almost everything. However, when I moved to Hewitt College in fifth year there was much less pressure and teachers really worked hard to cater for my dyslexia. They reassured me that I would find what I wanted to do in my own time. I only lasted half way through college as it was just too frustrating. But when I joined Flava Floors Art Studio I learned from graffiti artist Adam O’Connor in a year what I would have learned in college in six years. “

To launch Con’s new design Puma are hosting competitive matches featuring top football stars Cesc Fàbregas, Mario Balotelli and Olivier Giroud, Sergio Agüero, Marco Reus and Antoine Griezmann. The high-profile players will wear one orange and one blue boot in up to three club matches, representing either team evoSPEED or evoPOWER, which PUMA is now pitching against each other.

As a teenager, Con’s parents Dan and Claire did everything in their power to nurture his artistic flair, even letting him spray paint grafitti across the walls of his bedroom to master his art.
“From the start my parents told me I could do whatever I wanted in life. My mum always told me to finish school. After that I could do anything I wanted.”

Con O’Brien boots

“I’m most looking forward to seeing a little child in Cork pick the shoes off the shelf.
“In fact I’ll probably be hanging around the store just to witness it happen. Most children aren’t raised to believe that graffiti will get them anywhere so this is still very surreal.”
Con puts much of his success down to his family including his sister (former Miss Universe Cork) Anita and his body-building champion brother Dan O’Brien.

A TEAM of French investigators are meeting with people who were witnesses in the garda investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.
The team met with gardaí in Bandon garda station yesterday as part of their visit to Ireland.
They are on a return visit to Ireland as part of their probe into the murder of the Frenchwoman at Toormore, Schull in December 1996. The team were first in Ireland in October 2011, and interviewed up to 30 people as part of their probe.
It is understood they now want to interview 20 people – some of whom they have already interviewed.
Sources in France say the investigation there has now ramped up again following the conclusion of Ian Bailey’s action against the State for wrongful arrest, which ended in March.
The State had withdrawn co-operation from the French investigation last year, ahead of Mr Bailey’s action. Mr Bailey was arrested twice as part of the garda investigation but was never charged.
The French authorities have sought the extradition of Ian Bailey to France as part of their probe, to answer questions about the murder.
The application was rejected by the Supreme Court on the ground that the French authorities were not planning at that stage to send him for trial.

By Kevin O’Brien

If you’ve ever walked casually around Cork city, chances are you’ve seen something that’s out of place and belonging to another time – a ‘ghost’ sign.

Here are just a few of the city’s best examples.

Arnott’s Porter, Shandon St

Cork and its locals have long had a fondness for stout. Arnott’s Porter was produced in St Fin Barre’s Brewery and was a direct competitor of the larger Lady’s Well Brewery, of Murphy’s Stout fame, until the end of the 1900s. When the owner Sir John Arnott died, Murphy’s purchased Arnott’s brewery.

Most people will be more familiar with Arnott’s other business interests at the time – he established the famous Arnott’s department stores.

He was also elected Lord Mayor of Cork on three occasions, 1859, 1860 and 1861, and purchased The Irish Times shortly before his death. This ad for Arnott’s Porter serves as a tribute of sorts to the life of the Cork entrepreneur.

Assembly Rooms, South Mall

Outraged that an ex-priest named Gavazzi had been refused permission to give a sermon in the Opera House due to his anti-Catholic tone, a group of protestants decided to build a new hall in the city. It was intended to be used by all citizens, but quickly became known as the ‘Protestant Hall’.

It was the venue for prominent speakers, as well as opera and theatre productions and also has the claim of having shown the first motion picture in Cork in 1896. In 1911, the venue became the first dedicated cinema in the city and was called ‘The Picture Palace’.

The cinema closed in 1964 and the site has had various uses ever since. Though the interior was gutted and renovated in the 70’s, the beautiful façade remains intact.

Catholic Young Men’s Society, Castle Street/North Main Street

The organisation was founded in Limerick in 1849 by a local priest, Father Richard Baptist O’Brien, and coincided with the end of the famine.

For decades, the Cork branch (foundation date unknown) offered the young men of the city a place free from alcohol to socialise over a game of snooker or darts, or in other words, to keep them on the straight and narrow.

Many members may have been more interested in the social aspect rather than the religious objectives, but either way, the society had over 100 clubs in Ireland at its peak in the 1950s. Today, 17 remain.

While the Cork branch on the corner of Castle Street and North Main Street is no more, the lettering on the facade of the building remains a prominent feature of one of the oldest streets in Cork.

The Hive Iron Works, Washington Street/Hanover Street

This sign is barely visible on the facade of this uniquely triangular-shaped building, but in the 19th century this was one of the most important iron works in Cork and Munster.

The foundry was in existence here from 1816 onwards, producing marine steam engines, agricultural equipment and household goods throughout the 19th century.

Decorative architectural castings were also produced at this site, some of which can still be seen around the city today. Some of these show the words ’Hive Foundry Cork’.

The Hive Iron Works closed in 1935. The building was taken over by the Hanover Shoe Company who were also big employers in the city until they were hit by recession in the 60s and forced to close.

Cork City Library 1792, Pembroke St/South Mall

These days, coffee shops, restaurants and bars are known to pay thousands upon thousands of euros to decorate their business with stylish features such as this one, but here is a splendid original.

In 1792, a library opened to the people of Cork on Pembroke Street, though high subscription rates ensured it was mainly used by the middle-classes.

It stayed in operation until 1941, providing knowledge and learning to those who could afford it.

All that remains of the library is this classically designed entrance, featuring the year of its foundation surrounded by a laurel wreath, and flanked by two decorative owls on either side.

Today, a coffee shop occupies the building.

’Cure Your Corns with Mayne’s Corn Silk’, Pembroke St

This sign is placed high on a gable wall of a building in Pembroke Street. It’s made of intricate mosaic tiling and reads ‘Chemist and Druggist Established 1845’. At some point, it was painted over with the words, ‘Cure Your Corns with Mayne’s Corn Silk’.

Nowadays, the building has a themed wine bar, honouring its history as a chemists for over 120 years. This sign is a great example of how Cork has retained its character from years gone by.

Pavilion Cinema, Patrick’s St

Opened in 1921, the Pavilion Cinema was one of the oldest picture houses in Cork and was the first to be equipped with sound. The First ‘talkie’ to be screened here was Al Jolson‘s The Singing Fool in August 1929.

The cinema also had a restaurant which was a very popular spot for Corkonians, but spiralling costs of running the eatery saw it close in 1985. 4 years later, the cinema followed and also shut its doors.

The last film to be shown was Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and the premises has been used since by retailers such as HMV and Golden Discs.

William Clarke, Lavitts Quay

William Clarke and Son were a major tobacco manufacturer founded in Cork in 1830 and serving Ireland and Britain. In 1924, the company was bought out by a British tobacco company who moved the business to Dublin.

In Cork, this intricate white and black mosaic sign stands out against the red brick building and signals back to Cork’s history as a merchant City. Despite its age it sits comfortably along the quayside, nestled in amongst newer modern structures.

The building today has a conservation protection order, meaning it should stand proudly on the quay for years yet.

Woodford and Bourne, Patricks St

This is one of the most distinctive buildings in cork city centre and has a history that also makes it stand out. It was the store that the well-off in the city would go to purchase fine wines and spirits as well as teas, spices and other elegant food items at the time.

The company itself can be traced back to the mid 18th century and was operating out of these premises until as recently as the 1980’s. At this time, it was converted into a fast food outlet called Mandy’s for a brief spell before MacDonald’s moved in.

Interestingly enough, the company records also show that in 1932 the apartment above the business was rented to one of the most famous figures from the War of Independence, General Tom Barry.

Brass Foundry and Copper Works, Oliver Plunkett Street

This business, owned by Pulvertaft and Sons, provided a number of services such as gas fitting, engineering works and a motor garage.

Some sources suggest that the business provided parts for the first Cork-built Ford motor cars that were produced at the Ford car factory in the Marina. The same source says they were also making 18 pounder shells for the British government during World War One.

A sign of the business’s success can be seen in how they exhibited their brass works and engineering products throughout Europe and America.

Robert Pulvertaft, who ran the company, died in 1922. Two years earlier he was a candidate in the local elections but failed to win a seat in the city’s corporation.

His son Willie, who inherited the business, sold it after a difficult period in 1942. It had been in the family for over a hundred years.

Today a sport shop operates at the site, but the plaster relief sign reminds us of its past.

Beamish and Crawford, South Main Street.

The Beamish brewery, founded in 1792, was once the largest in Ireland until it was passed out by Guinness in the 1830s.

The site is set to be redeveloped as an events centre in the coming years, though the iconic tudor ‘Counting House’ will be preserved.

In 2008 Heineken International purchased Beamish and announced shortly afterwards that the old brewery would be closed and production of Beamish stout would be moved across the river to the Heineken brewery.

In 2009, around the time of its closure, a touching documentary called ‘My Beamish Boy’ revealed the fondness and affection felt towards the brewery by the former workers.

Beamish was very much a part of the fabric of Cork for centuries, not just for those that worked there, but for their families and the wider community in the city.

So there you have it – slices of Cork’s commercial and social history are embodied still in its ghostly signs.

Let us know of any similar ghostly reminders you spot on your travels round your own town or city.

There are many examples of signs that have been preserved around Cork city, long after the business they’re advertising has closed down.

These ‘ghost’ signs advertise everything from paints to porter. But the question is – can you tell us where they are?

Take our quiz to see how well you know the city.

A special convoy of Irish aid to help refugees is heading to France today thanks to the efforts of an organisation which started in Cork.
The Ireland to Calais Solidarity group was started in Cork by Tracey Ryan from Blarney in response to the Syrian refugee crisis.
Some of the volunteers packing the convoy of articulated trucks and vans which sets sail today. Picture: Dan Linehan

Some 60 volunteers from the group, many from Cork, will board the ferry from Rosslare this evening.
Volunteers will remain in a refugee camp for five days before returning to Ireland on October 8.
The convoy has grown from two vans and a cash donation to three articulated lorries, six vans, a medical team and some 60 volunteers. Online donations to the group have passed €83,000, a figure that has been soaring daily.
A group spokesperson said: “This has been a grassroots phenomenon made possible predominantly by the efforts of local women.
“We have since recruited a number of males to travel with us on the trip but it was this female strength and energy that initially started this initiative which has given a huge thumbs up to the people of Ireland.
“We started off with just two vans and €400.”
“This is a a huge testament to ordinary people who have put their egos on the back burner to undertake a collosal level of work.”
The number of applicants had to be whittled down significantly before the trip was organised.
“We have to narrow down the applicants from 150 to 60 people which we did by assessing their levels of experience.
“Everyone coming on the trip has skills that when combined will be very beneficial. Some on the list are doctors, others are involved in useful trades like building.”

See more: Ireland Calais Refugee Solidarity

COMPUTER games have an important place in the classroom says Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at UCC, Patrick Fitzpatrick.
Prof Fitzpatrick was speaking at the launch of UCC Brings Boole2School, an pioneering education initiative which will see more than 24,000 schoolchildren in eight countries study logic and George Boole in a Boolean Maths lesson on the the bicentenary of his birth.

Adam Donovan, who plays George Boole in the UCC tours; Dr Michael Murphy, President, UCC; and Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at UCC, Patrick Fitzpatrick, with pupils from Bunscoil Chríost Rí, Greenmount National School and St Maries of the Isle in Cork. Image: Daragh McSweeney

Warning that the recent OECD report on the value of computers in schools needs cautious interpretation, Prof Fitzpatrick called for teachers to receive more support in using technologies that are new to them, claiming that with careful monitoring of the quality of their experience, children’s interaction with technology can be hugely beneficial.
“The subject of logic itself is rarely taught in the modern curriculum, and it is often regarded as rather lifeless and uninteresting”, Prof Fitzpatrick said. “However, the overwhelming majority of school students play computer games, and these provide an avenue for the study of elementary logic in an environment that is both familiar and enjoyable.”
To engage students in the use of logic, the Boole2School lessons will illustrate how Boolean operators play a central role behind the scenes in the video games Candy Crush Saga and Minecraft.
Millions of children are already playing Minecraft at home, whether on computers, consoles or mobile devices, with increasing numbers of classrooms worldwide using the game as an instruction tool.
“Logical thinking is a central element in the learning process and for more than two millennia logic has been the basis of rational argument. Using simple truth tables and logic puzzles, students taking the Boole2School lessons learn how statements or situations may be combined and manipulated using the logical operations of AND, OR and NOT,” said Prof Fitzpatrick. “In this way students are introduced to principles on which they can build clarity of thought and understanding of complex ideas, thus providing them with essential tools towards successful learning.”
Michelle Sliney, principal of Coláiste Choilm in Ballincollig, welcomed the availability of the lesson ‘as Gaeilge’.
and thanked UCC for “making these lessons so accessible to schools.”
“In Coláiste/Gaelcholáiste Choilm we are looking forward to delivering these lessons and feel that our students will benefit greatly from this experience.”