The Friday View 12/05
A T+D train station story does the numbers, Keano at Laneway Gallery, bikes everywhere, and consider the seeds. It's our roundup of news and events on The Friday View.
Dia dhuit and welcome to the Friday View. Thanks for subscribing and do help spread the word.
Journalists and editors are obsessed with numbers, and any journalist or editor who feigns disinterest is full of… However, the media's fixation on numbers and data is unhealthy, to the point where data drives news or drivel.
(If you ever see weather updates masquerading as news stories emanating from T+D, then you know we've succumbed to the numbers game.)
So take my next point with a pinch of salt, but my story from Monday night in which I tried to nail down when Cork will get the eight new promised train stations that you've likely seen trumpeted in headlines has been one of the best-performing stories in Tripe + Drisheen's two-year history.
Stories take on a life of their own when published, and they travel far and wide (or don't), sometimes inspiring other local journalists to cover the same story, often in the same way!
The "8 train stations for Cork" story did travel, and I suspect that's because people want to know when they will get new stations as they want to use them (and are tired of being promised new stations). It's a bit of infrastructure madness that there's no other station between Kent Station in the city centre and Mallow. Irish Rail has plans for three new stations on the Mallow line.
The timeline I provided in my piece was by 2030, and while I attempted to obtain exact answers as to when those stations will be up and running, I was unsuccessful. Partly, that's because none of the proposed stations has progressed to the planning process, so none of the people I talked to could provide precise answers.
The answers I did receive ranged from a couple of stations to four or five by 2030.
But the top line is that Cork is getting eight new train stations. Now, we need to see delivery on that promise because the alternative is cars all the way down.
News in brief:
Checking in: Construction is well underway on the site of the former McKenzies/Circuit Courthouse on Camden Quay, where a new Moxy hotel is being built (pictured above). The distinctive facade will be preserved in the 200-bedroom hotel, which is expected to be completed later this year. On the south channel of the Lee on Morrison's Island, Moore's hotel is also nearing completion.
However, plans to construct hotels at the BAM-owned Sullivan's Quay site and Tetrach's site on Parnell Place remain just that: plans.
Bridge+name: Cork City Council has provided additional information about the process of naming the new bridge over the N40 to Tramore Valley Park. They conducted an open call for submissions throughout April, and a "large number" were received. The next step is for the Council's Heritage Officer, City Archaeologist, and Conservation Officer to review the suggestions received.
The suggestions will then be presented to party whips, who will recommend a list of names for further deliberation to the 31 councilors in July. It is likely that there will be more discussion about the list as it is whittled down, and a decision on the bridge's name will be made by the Council in September of this year. Expect a christening later in the year.
Seeds wanted: The seed library at Hollyhill Library is requesting seed donations. Any leftover or unused seeds can be dropped off at the library between Tuesday and Saturday.
Library watch: By the book
In March, Cork City Libraries saw 82,547 visits, a 61% increase from February's 70,303 visits. This significant increase was due to the libraries' participation in the Lifelong Learning Festival, which featured 50 events across all 10 libraries.
The number of items borrowed was 62,718, while 46,805 items were returned. In March, 3,712 people joined or renewed their existing membership, representing a 13% increase from February. Currently, 42,791 people are members of Cork City Libraries.
Out + About
Keano and Ciano: A double billing is now on at Laneway Gallery with artist Elinor O’Donovan going all in on Keano. Meanwhile, artist Ciano (no relation) is going all on self expression. Elinor’s show “Warp Spasm” recalls that momentous/torturous moment in Irish sporting history when Roy Keane left the Irish team in Saipan before the 2002 World Cup kicked off. Elinor says the show is about the “2002 Saipan Incident, gossip, rumours, myths and legends.”
"Express Yourself" is an "antidote to anxiety and despair". It is an ode to making art and how the uninhibited act of creation can uncover unique connections and unexpected perspectives, inspire joy, and open our eyes to beauty in all its forms. More information here.
Time, date, place: May 11- may 27, Tues-Sat, Lanewway Gallery, 120A Shandon Street
Sounds from Spain: Spanish cellist and composer Gaspar Cassadó will be remembered this weekend in a special recital by Irish and international musicians at The Glucksman in UCC. The recital will also include a lecture providing more details about the life and times of Cassadó. Tickets are €5. More information here.
Time, date, place: 3-4pm, Sunday May 14, The Glucksman, UCC
Your slant: Activist and writer Orla Egan will lead a discussion with author Katherine O’Donnell at Cork City Library next Thursday at 6 pm. O’Donnell’s new book, "Slant," will be launched in Waterstones later this month. Egan and O’Donnell are well known to each other, having planned the first-ever LGBT float in a St. Patrick’s Day parade (Cork 1992). The pair also co-taught a sexuality module at UCC in the 1990s.
Time, date, place: 6pm, Thursday May 18, Cork City Library, Grand Parade
LGBTI Awareness Week: The theme for this year’s week-long festival is “Together Always – United in Diversity!” There are events throughout the week, including film screenings, picnics, workshops and public seminars. Of note is a panel discussion taking place in the City Library on Tuesday, May 16, focusing on Public Services and Community Organisations Responding to Hate featuring Luna Lara from Liboni ICCL, Siobhan O’Donoughue from Hope and Courage Collective, and David O’Brien from Cork City Library. Full program of events here.
Time, date, place: Various venues across the city until May 21
Cork Bike Week: There have never been as many events for Cork Bike Week as there are for this year's celebration of the two-wheeled wonder. Bike Week runs from May 13-21. For the full listing of events, go here, or have a look at our overview which we published this week.
Time, date, place: Various venues throughout the city and county
This week on T+D:
On Monday, we wrote about the eight train stations promised for Cork. The will is certainly there to get them built, but will the money and planning come through? You can read that piece here.
On Tuesday, we wrote about the ongoing protests over the closure of Ballincollig Fire Station. City councillors back a motion to have it reopened ahead of a community protest, which will take place outside the fire station in Ballincollig tonight at 6:30pm (12/05). You can read that story here.
On Wednesday, we published a review of "Tartuffe" which is playing at the Cork Opera House. It's a centuries-old, joke and innuendo-heavy comedy by Molière, from The Abbey Theatre. The play finishes its Irish tour at the Opera House tomorrow Saturday, May 13. You can read that review here.
On Thursday, we had an overview of some of the events taking place for Cork Bike Week which kicks off tomorrow, with events planned for across the city and county for the coming week. You can read that story here.
Tomorrow, we’ll have a weekend interview for you.
That’s it for this week’s Friday View. Any tips, news or events you’d like to share with Tripe+Drisheen, you can contact us via our About page here. We are always happy to speak to people off the record in the first instance, and we will treat your information with confidence and sensitivity. Get in touch. Have a lovely weekend.
