The Coastguard, Naval Service, Air Corps, Civil Defence and more put on a superb search and rescue demonstration in Cobh today.
They showed rescues in a variety of situations – from fishing boats on fire to swimmers in the water.
Lots more photos here.
This weekend UCC Alumni organised the 2nd 21 Bridges of Cork, a 5km walk through Cork City. The walk raised money for vital student services in UCC. Antóin O’Callaghan, historian, UCC alumnus and author of Cork’s St Patrick’s Street: A History gave a short but fascinating talk on the history the of some of Cork’s bridges before we set off.
We had a map of the route and some information on each of the bridges. A volunteer student manned each bridge and was ready to impart more of the history of the bridge. It was brilliant fun and a credit to all the organisers.
Once we got back to UCC we were all set for lunch. We decided to try Fresco Bistro in the Glucksman Gallery, which was open specially for the day. We were lucky enough to get a table outside and enjoyed a really tasty lunch in the fantastic setting of UCCs lower grounds. We’ll certainly be back, and I strongly recommend it.
The Christmas Park in Bishop Lucey Park opened last Friday.
Here are the opening times:
We called to the English Market for Culture Night. It was open late, from 6-9pm and we arrived much later than intended, at around 8.
There was a great crowd as we entered from the Grand Parade.
We headed in, and went to Bubble Brothers to get a glass of wine. They were really busy, with Paul and Austin handing nice glasses of wine. People were arriving with food from all over the market for a drink. I saw one lady arrive with oysters!
After a drink we wandered farther into the Market, stopping at the chocolate shop for some hot chocolate. They were giving proceeds from the night to charity.
We wandered on around the market, listened to some music, had some more food and then left as the market was closing. It’s a briliant night, and
I’m sure I’m not the only one that thinks they should do it way more often 
I went down to the Port of Cork at Custom house quay to see the cannonball run cars arrive.
Lots of amazing cars and you can get up close for a look.
Lots of people were checking the tax discs to see how much the owners pay each year
lots more photos on my flickr.
I went along to the official opening of Auntie Nellies sweet shop in Midleton this morning.
Some special guests turned up to help the staff to celebrate.
John cut the tape!
And the customers flooded in to sample the treats inside. The sweets are *this* big!
I just popped into town this afternoon to get a quick look at the finish of the Cork City Marathon.
Well done to all the runners!
On Monday I went along to Fenns Quay for a Dinner and Sicilian Wine tasting.
Victoria Curatolo of Villa Tonino and Liberty Wines were supplying and presenting the wines on the night.
There were about 20 people at the dinner, some of whom I’d met before. I had the pleasure of meeting Billy Lyons and his wife. Kevin had seated them at our table and we discovered a shared love of France, wine and a common history in Glounthaune, our native parish.
The dinner was fantastic, 4 courses with each being really tasty. As always in Fenns Quay, the service was top notch and the dinner was nice and relaxed, with no hint of a rush. I’ve attached the menu, with a grainy shot of the Osso Bucco and a grainier shot of Victoria.
Fenns Quay Sicilian Wine tasting and Dinner menu
For the wines, we tasted 6 from the range.
Villa Tonino Inzolia, 2009
Villa Tonino Grillo, 2009
Villa Tonino Nero D’Avola 2008
Villa Tonino `Baglio Curatolo` 2007
Villa Tonino `Baglio Curatolo` Syrah, 2007
Villa Tonino Marsala Superiore Riserva, NV, Curatolo
I loved the 3 reds, and if I really really had to chose a favourite, I’d go with the Baglio Curatolo. I’d be very happy with any of them though. I also very much liked the Inzolia – I reckon it’s tailor made for sipping on a hot summers day.
I had 3 of the clan with me, and in true family style we all had different favourites. We all liked a lot of the range though, which is an unusually high hit rate.
Victoria presented the wines in turn, with lovely stories of the history of the family Vineyard. I love hearing stories about where wines are made and the people that make them. It really adds to the experience for me.
It was a brilliant night, thanks to Kevin and all at Fenns Quay, and Victoria and Jerry.
You can read what Billy thought of the night.
As always, I’ve attached a scan of my tasting notes. Best of luck reading them
the Lee Swim was on today.
massive well done to all the organisers, all the volunteers and the contestants!
one extra “fair play” to St John’s Ambulance – I saw them called into action today. nice one lads.
Saturday sees the newly founded Bazaar on the Boardwalk at Lapps Quay from 11 to 4, as well as the Lee Swim.
The Lee Swim takes place at 3:30, from St. Vincents bridge (by the Mercy Hospital) down the north channel, looping around by the Bonded Warehouse and finishing at Clontarf Bridge.
might see you there!