County Mayor's column: Patrick’s Day parades reflect our pride in our communities

March feels like we’re finally leaving winter behind. The longer evenings, the golden glow of daffodils, and the brighter mornings are a welcome sight after months of grey skies and rain. It’s a time of hope, renewal, and celebration, and there’s certainly plenty to celebrate in County Cork.

This weekend, our communities will come alive with the vibrant colours and joyful sounds of St Patrick’s Day parades.

The national festival is always a highlight in the county calendar, bringing families, friends, and neighbours together to celebrate.

Let’s hope the weather plays ball, allowing the creativity and community spirit of our parades to shine. These local events, big and small, reflect the pride we have in our communities and traditions, and I look forward to hearing all about them.

Seachtain Na Gaeilge

Another cultural celebration under way is Seachtain Na Gaeilge which runs until March 17. This is a wonderful chance to engage with our native language, whether you’re fluent or just starting out with a cúpla focal.

Our libraries, in partnership with the Irish Office and Arts Service, have put together a fantastic programme of events. There are storytelling sessions, music performances, and a webinar series exploring creative careers in Irish. There’s something for everyone, and I encourage you to take part and celebrate the richness of our language and heritage.

Relove paint scheme

I’m also delighted to highlight the return of the Relove Paint Community Paint Grant Scheme 2025, now open for applications. This innovative scheme supports environmental sustainability by promoting the reuse of unwanted paint.

Last year, 96 groups across Cork, including Tidy Towns, sports clubs, and schools received more than 2,000 litres of high-quality, upcycled paint to revitalise community spaces. This initiative promotes the circular economy.

I encourage all eligible groups to get involved before the application deadline of April 4.

Culture Night 2025

Looking ahead, preparations are under way for Culture Night 2025, taking place on Friday, September 19.

Last year’s event was a tremendous success, with more than 17,000 people attending cultural events across the county. From live music to outdoor film screenings, it was a night where creativity and community came together.

We’ve now opened the call for proposals, and I encourage local groups and creatives to get involved. Culture Night is about showcasing the incredible talent and diversity we have in County Cork. It’s a night not to be missed.

On the topic of creativity, I’m thrilled to announce a call for submissions for a new public art commission as part of the Clonakilty Flood Relief Scheme, in collaboration with the OPW and under the State’s Per Cent for Art Scheme. Croppy Park in Clonakilty will be the location for this artwork, and we look forward to seeing how artists will interpret and contribute to this space.

This initiative is an opportunity to enhance our public spaces with creativity and innovation, reflecting our county’s vibrant character.

Heritage

We also continue to support and invest in our rich heritage. Applications are now open for the County Cork Heritage Grant Scheme 2025, an important initiative that recognises and supports community groups that actively engage in preserving and promoting our local heritage. Since its launch in 2021, more than 100 projects have been supported, with €125,000 in funding allocated. These projects not only protect our past, but shape our collective future, creating a legacy that future generations will cherish.

As we welcome the brighter days of spring, I am reminded of how our communities continue to bloom with creativity, culture and community spirit.

The daffodils blooming across the county, the longer evenings, and the sounds of children playing outside again are all signs that we are finally shaking off the last of winter.

There is much to look forward to in County Cork, and I encourage everyone to get involved, support local events, and continue to celebrate the incredible community spirit that makes our county so special.

Go raibh maith agaibh and enjoy all the wonderful events and projects coming your way.