Lord Mayor's column: Cork really is a great city and it is a privilege to represent it

On the right side of the desk I work at in City Hall there is a collection of papers.

Each week I’m given my diary for the week ahead.

This week I have been given week 52. When piled together, this collection of paper measures about two foot high.

Along with my diary, it contains information about where I’m going and who I’m meant to be meeting with.

Reading these documents has been my homework. It has not only helped me to do my job as Lord Mayor better, it has told me so much about the city itself.

In the week that is ahead of me there will be about 40 functions I have to attend and speak at.

Several of these events are linked to the city remembering our great rock hero Rory Gallagher, the 30th anniversary of whose death occurs this week.

Across the city at Cork Public Museum, at the City Library on Grand Parade, and in City Hall itself, at the civic offices, several exhibitions are being held to celebrate the genius that was Rory Gallagher.

I have been looking in awe at Rory’s first ever acoustic guitar.

It is humbling to realise that really brilliant music came from such a simple instrument.

Apart from acknowledging Rory there will be many other things to be doing this week; awards to be given, the work of community groups to be acknowledged; celebrating the achievements of sports clubs.

What you really get to appreciate as Lord Mayor is that ours is a great city.

It is not without problems but we certainly are not without the capacity to deal with such problems.

From the visitors to our city that I get to meet, to when I meet such people at international gatherings, I learn that Cork is a city that is highly thought of, that people love coming to and experiencing.

This is a good time in the life of Cork.

Much of the reason why it is so good is that we can be confident that what we are doing is bringing about a better Cork, because we have the wherewithal to do so.

There is a feelgood factor and confidence about Cork that can help us face a future without fear.

It has been my privilege to represent that goodwill to the best of my ability.

Corcaigh Abú.