Motions 9 November 2009:

That “road” flower pots be introduced to the immediate external environs of Douglas Pool and the environs of Blackrock Pier. That this be pursued in an effort to enhance their respective dilapidated conditions (Cllr K. McCarthy).

As an incentive to boost trading in Cork City and to help traders in these difficult economic times, that this Council would offer 2 hours free parking in the Council’s two public carparks on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 11am on a trial period in early spring 2010, a period of time to be agreed upon (Cllr K. McCarthy).

Question to City Manager, 9 November 2009

With regard to the impending closure of the Kino Cinema, what can the Council do to make sure such a cultural asset, which is also linked to the productive and very positive Cork Film Festival, does not close? (Cllr K. McCarthy)

Cork has been named in the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2010 according to the influential Lonely Planet tour guide, being placed 3rd behind such  prestigous company as Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Charleston USA and ahead of Istanbul, Lecce, Kyoto and Singapore.

The guide described Cork as:

“Sophisticated, vibrant and diverse while still retaining its friendliness, relaxed charm and quickfire wit, Cork buzzes with the energy of a city that’s certain of its place in Ireland. Indeed, so confident is the former ‘Rebel City’ that locals only half-jokingly refer to it as the ‘People’s Republic of Cork’. The city has long been dismissive of Dublin and with a burgeoning arts, music and restaurant scene, it’s now getting a cultural reputation to rival the capital’s.

The River Lee flows around the centre, an island packed with grand Georgian parades, cramped 17th-century alleys and modern masterpieces such as the opera house. The flurry of urban renewal that began with the city’s stint in 2005 as European Capital of Culture continues apace, with new buildings, bars and arts centres springing up all over town. The best of the city is still happily traditional though – snug pubs with live music sessions most of the week, excellent local produce in an ever-expanding list of restaurants and a genuinely proud welcome from the locals.”

Kieran’s motions, Tuesday, 27 October 2009:

That the invasive species of Japanese Knotweed on Blackrock pier and eastwards to the rowing club be treated and removed (Cllr. K. McCarthy).

Arising out of the recent arts report and to enhance the City Council’s investment and the future development of Cork’s international tourist market, that a S.W.O.T. analysis of Cork Marketing Partnership be conducted and the report sent back to the City Council (Cllr. K. McCarthy).

27/ 10/ 09 Question to the City Manager:

Further to Cllr John Kelleher’s recent question to the City manager, when will repair work begin on the slipway on the Marina, used by the Lee Rowing Club? (Cllr. K. McCarthy)

Last Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of deputising for the Lord Mayor at the Southside Sports Awards at the Cork International Airport Hotel. The award winners were Noel Galvin (August winner, All-Ireland County Champion, All-Ireland medal at U-21 level with Cork), Aoife Murray (September winner, goal keeper, woman of the match in All-Ireland Camogie final for Cork against Kerry), Nollaig Cleary (October winner, member of Cork Ladies Football five-in-a-row side, scored vital goal and point in final. Her brother John is winning coach of Cork Under 21 football side). My thanks  to Aaron Mansworth, General Manager at the  Cork International Airport and Sean O’Sullivan, organiser of the awards for their hosting of this event.  My thanks also to Red FM sport for their sponsorship of this event.

Kieran’s Speech:

When I was growing up, I always enjoyed my schools’ sport day. I was never a winner but always admired and perhaps envied my school colleagues that ran faster than me – that were stronger than be – but I suppose as my own life’s journey progressed, I got over it and accepted their talents and their abilities and eventually found my own, which I nurtured like my sporting colleague.

I also remember when Cork won various football and hurling finals and the relevant cups were brought to the schools

I recall staring at the lads in front of me and seeing these guys as heroes

Society needs heros, defenders; it needs leaders, people who will show us new ways of seeing and ways of life.

As a city, we are slow to celebrate our local heroes, which we need to do alot more

Guys you are heros,

You have wielded sport and its power to grasp, inspire confidence, self-purpose, provoke questions and the imagination and draw in the viewer and so much more

Ladies and gentlemen there is so much to learn from these individuals –

all bring their own talents, confidence self pride, self belief and a desire to perform their sport, a self purpose

Ladies and gentlemen, in this world, we need more of such confidence, pride and belief – we need to mass produce these qualities, all of which these sports stars stands for

Ladies and gentlemen, we need more of these sportstars – They continue whether they realise or not to build a legacy and also continue to present us with the question

– well what are we doing in our own lives to push forward?

 There is a film speech, which I play on my youtube every now and again to inspire me. Al Pacino in Any Given Sunday talks about life being a game of inches and about fighting for oneself. I wish to share part of the speech with you. I quote

You know when you get old in life
things get taken from you.
That’s, that’s part of life.
But,
you only learn that when you start losing stuff.
You find out that life is just a game of inches.
So is football.
Because in either game
life or football
the margin for error is so small.
I mean
one half step too late or to early
you don’t quite make it.
One half second too slow or too fast
and you don’t quite catch it.
The inches we need are everywhere around us.
They are in ever break of the game
every minute, every second.

On this team, we fight for that inch
On this team, we tear ourselves, and everyone around us
to pieces for that inch.
We CLAW with our finger nails for that inch.
Cause we know
when we add up all those inches
that’s going to make the difference
between WINNING and LOSING
between LIVING and DYING.

I’ll tell you this
in any fight
it is the guy who is willing to die
who is going to win that inch.
And I know
if I am going to have any life anymore
it is because, I am still willing to fight, and die for that inch
because that is what LIVING is.

End quote

I would like to encourage everyone to keep fighting, keep setting an example to all of us and keep fighting for that inch

I would also like to thank the coaches who watch, praise, critique and give direction – for their hard and tireless work – thank you

You have also given hope and have no doubt have saved souls.

I wish to congratulate our sports stars and all involved in their respective teams and all the best for the future.

Go raibh maith agaibh