'The pancake race is a very old tradition': Flippin’ great fun on MacCurtain Street

Cork’s Victorian Quarter was a hub of pan-tastic energy yesterday as traders took part in the annual pancake race.

The event, hosted each year by the Metropole Hotel since 2018, was originally a Shrove Tuesday tradition dating back to 1826 when Thompson’s Bakery was in operation. This year, representatives from several businesses in the area, including The Shelbourne Bar, Spar MacCurtain St, and To Have and To Hold Flowers, came together to run along MacCurtain St while flipping pancakes.

Managing director at Trigon Hotels, Aaron Mansworth, beat off stiff competition to claim the winning title, saying that he is “delighted to take the crowning glory”.

“I’m seven years in training and my first time taking part — I’m looking forward to defending my title next year,” he said.

Group brand and communications manager at Trigon Hotels, Sandra Murphy, said: “The pancake race is a very old tradition, starting off almost 200 years ago.

“It’s been going from strength to strength since we brought it back, [and] it’s a great way to showcase the vibrancy of the area.”