New Sailing Initiative - The Cork Harbour Combined Leagues

Sailing in Cork Harbour © Picture by Alan O Regan

An interesting concept for cruiser sailors is being planned for Cork Harbour this summer. There are currently between 20 and 30 Class 3 boats racing every week in Cork Harbour during the summer, but they are split between different race courses and clubs. A combined league is to be held throughout this summer in an effort to create common ground to meet and realise the potential of Class 3 racing in the harbour. There will be a prize giving dinner in November at a venue to be announced. All boats wishing to get involved in this league should contact Kieran O Connell (kieran3108@gmail.com) for entry forms. The closing date for entries is May 10th 2013. Dates and Organizing club  May 10th, Friday night, Cobh May 30th, Thursday night, RCYC June 7th, Friday night, Cobh June 21st, Mid Summer Madness, RCYC July 14th, Scora Chps, Cobh July 27th, Race to Aghada, RCYC Aug 18th, Cobh Peoples Regatta, Cobh Aug 29th, Thursday night, RCYC Sept 7th, Cobh to Blackrook, Cobh Sept 14th, Naval Race, RCYC The organisers will try and arrange that the start and finish of each race is somewhere around number 10 channel mark for the evening races. Related links for this article  RCYC news article

Cobh to mark 101st Titanic anniversary

© Photo from Cobh Tourism website.White Star Lines Passengers await boarding

On 14th April 2013, the 101st anniversary of the day on which the Titanic struck an iceberg, the people of Cobh will gather for a ceremony to remember all of those who died when the ship sank. Cobh Tourism Ltd. is organising this ceremony as it has done for over ten years in her last port of call. One hundred and twenty three passengers boarded the Titanic in Queenstown on 11th April 1912. Three days later the ship struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sank with the loss of over 1500 lives, including 79 of those who boarded in Cobh. However over thirty nationalities sailed on the Titanic and a special invitation is extended to people from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Holland, Egypt, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, Uruguay, USA and Wales to travel to Cobh and remember their countrymen and all those lost on that fateful maiden voyage. The ceremony will start at 3 pm at the Old Town Hall at Lynch’s Quay when a Colour Party from the Cobh Branch O.N.E. will parade to the Titanic Memorial. The ceremony of prayers and wreath laying will have musical honours provided by the Commodore Male Voice Choir and Cobh Confraternity Band. The proceedings will then move to the waterfront Promenade. Seventy nine white roses will be placed in the sea in memory of the “Cobh” passengers. School children representing the thirty other nationalities will also place floral tributes in the sea, followed by the Mayor of Cobh placing a wreath in the sea by in honour of all those who lost their lives when the Titanic sank. The ceremonies will conclude with a bugler playing the Last Post and Reveille. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. Related links for this article  For information on this event, click here For more events in April click here

Internships available for Spike Island -Fantastic Opportunity

The entrance to the fort on Spike Island

Cork County Council has just advertised 10 Internships on the JobBridge Website which are available for people wishing to work as Tourism Guides on Spike Island in Cork Harbour. The internships will be for a 6 month period. The website where these positions are advertised is www.jobbridge.ie You will find full details of the position available if you click on – “Search for an Internship” and then go through the listing to find “Tourism Guide Spike Island”. The closing date is for receipt of applications is Thursday, 28th March 2013 @ 4 p.m This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone wising to work in the tourism industry. Successful candidates will gain significant experience in what is expected to be an iconic tourism attraction in Cork Harbour. Transport to/from the Island will be provided by Cork County Council for appointed candidates. The intern should ideally have a qualification in tourism or marketing and be capable of both working independently and as part of a team. Good communication and organisational skills would also be essential. The positions would be ideal for anyone interested in tourism product development. Full training and support will be provided to ensure that the successful candidates gain significant experience during their internship. Cork County Council recently approved a Master Plan for the future redevelopment of Spike Island. This plan together with other details on Spike Island are available on the website www.spikeislandcork.com To qualify to apply for an internship, the applicant must meet the following criteria:- Are you unemployed and actively seeking work? If YES Q. Have you been in receipt of any of the following for a minimum of three months? • Jobseekers Allowance, Jobseekers Benefit or Disability Allowance • One Parent Family Payment • Signing for social insurance contribution credits Further details on eligibility are available on the JobBridge Website . www.jobbridge.ie Related links for this article  Spike Island website Job Bridge website

Brittany Ferries Re-Commences Sailings from Cork to Roscoff

The Pont Aven vessel which recommences sailings from Cork this month © Brittany Ferries

The Port of Cork is pleased to announce that Brittany Ferries will re-commence their summer sailings from Cork to Roscoff starting this weekend, 23rd March 2013. The flagship MV Pont-Aven will operate every Saturday from the passenger terminal in Ringaskiddy until November 2013. Speaking about the upcoming 2013 season, General Manager of Brittany Ferries, Mr Hugh Bruton said: “This is always a busy time for us as we re-commence our service from Cork to Roscoff. We are delighted to report that the route is currently ahead by 12% on last year which is a great sign for The Gathering! It’s also an exciting time for the business as we are celebrating our 40th anniversary globally and 35 years of sailing from Cork to Roscoff. Our continued service offers affordable, convenient holidays to France which is perfect for families of all ages.” Brittany Ferries offers the fastest direct ferry crossing from Ireland to France, taking just 14 hours and operating on a convenient weekend schedule. With state-of-the-art facilities, the Pont-Aven is the newest and most modern ship to be found on any direct crossing between Ireland and France. Travellers on-board can enjoy unmatched cruise style standards and award-winning service. On-board facilities include pool and bar areas with panoramic sea views, complimentary Wi-Fi, two cinemas, shopping malls, luxurious spa and a wide choice of restaurants. Related links for this article  Brittany Ferries website

Port of Cork CEO, Brendan Keating announced as ‘Logistics and Transport Leader’ for 2013

Brendan Keating, CEO, Port of Cork © Port of Cork

Brendan Keating, CEO of the Port of Cork was announced as the winner of the ‘Logistics and Transport Leader Award’ at the annual Irish Logistics and Transport Awards which took place in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin with over 400 of Ireland’s leading transport and logistics professionals in attendance. Accepting the award, Mr Keating acknowledged the critical value of trade to the Irish economy, with the value of Irish export receipts in 2012 amounting to €177 billion and imports in the same year totalling €13 billion. These figures clearly illustrate the extent of trading activity in Ireland but more importantly show that Ireland is an active player and significant contributor to the process of globalisation of world trade. Commenting on the significant role that ports play in the supply chain process, Mr Keating remarked “97% of the country’s trade in terms of volume transits through our ports so it is critical that port infrastructure in Ireland has the capacity to handle growing volumes of trade. Equally important is ensuring that services provided are competitive while remaining effective and responsive.?“We must ensure that our core ports play an integral role in the delivery of effective supply chain solutions by managing and coordinating the flow of materials, commodities and information” he continued. While a number of Irish businesses today are focused on driving down supply chain costs, significant risks and vulnerabilities often arise where the sole focus is cost reductions. Brendan Keating concluded by calling on the logistics and transport sector in Ireland to develop a comprehensive risk assessment tool kit which would help manufacturing and other businesses who are heavily reliant on their supply chain for the on-going viability of their business. Related links for this article  Port of Cork News

Rise to the Challenge and Cycle Fort 2 Fort for Charity! - Sunday 24th March

Cork sporting stars Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and John Gardiner with the Cork Rose, Bríd Ryan and Leo the Lion

Cork sporting stars Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and John Gardiner kitted up with the Cork Rose, Bríd Ryan and Leo the Lion at Fort Camden to launch the Fort 2 Fort Cycling event. The event, on March 24th, will raise funds for the Lions Clubs of Cork, the Mercy University Hospital Foundation and the Rescue Camden initiative. The exciting Fort 2 Fort Challenge has improved this year, offering an option of cycling 60km or a 112km loop of a spectacular route around Cork Harbour, the second largest natural navigable harbour in the world! Cork Harbour is well known for its Importance to industry and Commerce and it’s fabulous forts are a testament to the Harbour’s former strategic glory. Cork Harbour deserves a lot more credit for its natural beauty and it is time to take advantage of the Harbours often overlooked recreational importance. “The industrial performance of the harbour is healthy and it’s a chance to show that the inhabitants of the harbour are healthy too” Roared Leo the Lion. The Fort 2 Fort Challenge is bringing cyclists on a spectacular route from Fort Carlisle to Fort Camden and back, starting at 10am on Sunday 24th March 2013 at Trabolgan Holiday Village. Last years event was a huge succecss, when over 400 cyclists gave over €21,000 to charity, this year promises to be even better. “Every cyclist makes a huge difference and has something to be proud of. We have listened to the feed back from last year to make the experience even better” said Leo with a smile. The Fort to Fort Cycle committee are very grateful to its sponsors for their generosity: Ulster Bank, Victoria Cycles, Fachtna O’Driscoll Solicitors, Butlers Transport and Arachas without whom, the event simply could never happen in the first place. To partake in this great day out sign up online at www.mercyfoundation.ie registration costs €45, with a further discount of €39 before 1st Feb, and thanks to the very generous support of Ulster Bank and Victoria Cross Cycles ALL of the funds raised will benefit both Lions Clubs of Cork projects, the Mercy Foundation and the Rescue Camden initiative. Michael Sheridan, CEO at the Mercy Hospital Foundation said “Fort 2 Fort is an exciting way to raise funds for two of Cork’s favourite charities. By participating in this truly challenging event, cyclists will help the Mercy Hospital Foundation make a real difference to the lives of patients using the Mercy Hospital. Funds raised will help us to buy equipment and to support projects at The Mercy Hospital which can lead to an earlier and more effective diagnosis of cancers like testicular cancer as well as cancers of the kidney and bladder. This could result in many more people being successfully treated for cancer and going on to enjoy a full and healthy life.  Regional Director, South, of Ulster Bank, Tom Leahy said “As main sponsor we are delighted to support the worthy causes of MUH Foundation and Cork Lions Clubs Charities. This is an ideal link for our Community support programme and sees our staff as active participants.”  Brian Thoma of the Carrigaline Lions Club furthered “This event is a joint venture between 5 local Cork Lions Clubs and reflects our involvement in activity based fund raising within the community. We are happy to support this worthy cause and to highlight the beauty of Cork Harbour and great restoration project at Fort Camden.”  Eileen Murphy of the rescue Lions Project concluded that she had no doubt that this year will surpass last year, which was an incredibly successful inaugural event. Related links for this article  Mercy Foundation website

John Mullins Announced As Port Of Cork Chairman

John Mullins is the new Chairman of the Port of Cork

Cork businessman John Mullins has been formally appointed as Chairman of the Port of Cork by the Minister of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, T.D. on 1st March 2013 and will commence a five year term immediately. Mullins was most recently Chief Executive of Bord Gáis Eireann, a role which he held for 5 years until he resigned in December 2012 to set up his own consultancy and to pursue other business interests. Commenting on his appointment, John Mullins said “I am honoured with the trust placed in me by Minister Varadkar. I look forward to my new role as Chairman of the Port of Cork, particularly at this crucial period for the company as it advances proposals for new infrastructure required to service business for the next twenty years. I strongly believe that the Port of Cork is central to a brighter economic future for the Munster region and the Irish economy as a whole, given the value it brings in moving goods to market for both customers and businesses. As one of Ireland’s core ports, I will work to ensure that the Port of Cork continues to grow and improve competitiveness.” Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork said “John brings extensive experience to his role as Chairman and we are confident that he will provide excellent leadership for the port in the coming years. He will provide valuable assistance with the growth of the business and the development of port facilities as we consolidate our position as the premier port in the South of Ireland”. John Mullins takes over as Port of Cork Chairman from Dermot O’Mahoney, whose term ended in September 2012. Related links for this article  Port of Cork News