Calls to rename Cork city park named after bishop
Located on the Grand Parade and opened in 1985, the park is named after Bishop Con Lucey, who was the Catholic Bishop of Cork from 1952 until 1980. The park has been closed to the public since December 2023 for redevelopment.
"In my opinion this is not a matter of renaming a park, it's a new park deserving of a new name. When the new park opens it will bear absolutely no resemblance to the park that was there previously. A new park presents a unique opportunity to choose a name that reflects what we value as a city," Cllr O'Connor said.
The Social Democrats Councillor said the motion wasn't about committing to a name change for the park, but rather to undertaking a process to explore renaming it. 'Ultimately the people of Cork will decide the name of the park and that is exactly how it should be,' she said.
Due to reopen in November, the redeveloped park will include improved access to the historic city wall, a new events pavilion and plaza, improved access and seating for all, and a new tower to mark the eastern entrance.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
5 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Who are the potential runners and riders in the race for the Áras?
The presidential election campaign has not yet caught fire, although flames are slowly being sparked. President Michael D Higgins' 14-year term ends on 11 November, with a date in late October mooted for polling day. The race is likely to pick up speed in autumn, leading to a short but intense campaign period. Here we look some of the potential runners and riders for the 2025 Presidential Election. Catherine Connolly Independent TD Catherine Connolly is highly expected to formally declare her candidacy for the Áras tomorrow. She has been steadily garnering support from left-leaning parties and TDs, already receiving the backing of the Social Democrats, while People Before Profit's two TDs also set to row in behind the Galway West TD. The former Leas-Ceann Comhairle has the backing of 12 Social Democrats, including Eoin Hayes, as well as the two People Before Profit TDs. Independent TDs Charles Ward, Seamus Healy and Brian Stanley have also confirmed they will nominate her. She is expected to easily surpass the 20 nominations threshold of support from Oireachtas members which is required. Labour Party The question remains whether other left-leaning Dáil parties, particularly the Labour Party, will row behind Ms Connolly and support her as a combined left contender. For Ms Connolly and Labour, it may be a case of letting bygones be bygones. Ms Connolly resigned from the party after she was denied her wish to contest the Galway West constituency as a running mate of President Higgins in the 2007 General Election. Ms Connolly was critical of Labour during the party's time in government, and once claimed the party had "lost its soul". This afternoon, Ms Connolly held a meeting with Labour's parliamentary party to set out her stall. Labour has also been exploring the prospect of running its own candidate, and has opened a two-week consultation period. On 31 July, the party will discuss the consultation and will then decide on its approach to the election. Sinn Féin For Sinn Féin, it is undecided if it will select its own candidate or support the united left-wing nomination. First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill is seen as many as an ideal frontrunner for the party, however, intrigue was created when Mary Lou McDonald recently refused to rule herself out of the contest. Ms McDonald has repeatedly said that Sinn Féin is considering its options when it comes to this year's election and that an internal process is under way, with a decision to be arrived at in a few weeks. The party has the electoral numbers to nominate its own candidate, and Belfast lawyer and MP John Finucane is also often touted as a potential runner. While former leader Gerry Adams could also be considered by the party, given he would be such a high-profile candidate on the ballot. Aontú and the Green Party One left-leaning party which likely will not be backing Catherine Connolly's nomination is Aontú, with party leader Peadar Tóibín saying it was important that other types of voices were in the contest. He added that he had spoken to two potential candidates and other Oireachtas members in order to build consensus. He said there was a danger that a contest solely between Ms Connolly and Fine Gael candidate Mairead McGuinness would mean that a section of the population did not have their values reflected in the debate. Asked whether Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mulloolly was one of the two people he spoke to, Mr Tóibín said that while he had spoken to the MEP, he was not suggesting him as a candidate. Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman said his party is open to a conversation with Ms Connolly about whether her vision aligns with Green values. But he said no decision had been made yet as to who the party might back in the election. Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly ruled himself out last week, paving the way for Ms McGuinness to be the party's only candidate. However, her candidacy will not be ratified until a party event in early September, leading many to believe Ms McGuinness will seek to avoid the public spotlight as much as possible over the summer months. But she is still expected to crisscross the country canvassing for votes. Fianna Fáil Fianna Fáil has not run a presidential candidate since 1997, when its candidate Mary McAleese topped the poll, and the party is still undecided whether to enter this year's contest. The party is still considering its options, and while Taoiseach and party leader Micheál Martin's name has been floated as a potential candidate, he is said to prefer to remain in his current role. If Fianna Fáil is to run a candidate, names linked to the party include former TDs Peter Power and Mary Hanafin. Ms Hanafin is on the record saying she would love the opportunity to run for president as Fianna Fáil's candidate and that she had spoken to Mr Martin about her desire to run. Two current Fianna Fáil MEPs have also been strongly linked to potentially representing the party – Billy Kelleher and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú. Former SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said he is considering entering the race to become the next president, and had been mooted by some as potentially representing Fianna Fáil. However, Mr Martin said he was surprised to hear Mr Eastwood's name linked to the party, adding he was not aware of any engagement with the Foyle MP. Other names being touted It is understood that businessman Declan Ganley could soon throw his hat into the race. Mr Ganley, who founded the short-lived Libertas party in 2009, is understood to have been actively canvassing various independent TDs and senators looking for their backing. Dr Mike Ryan of the World Health Organization is another name linked with the presidency. 2018 candidate Peter Casey has declared an interest in running. His most likely path to the ballot paper would require the support of local authorities. However, this would likely prove to be very difficult given the local authorities are controlled by the three major parties. but he is also highly unlikely to be given the nod. Of course, it is still very much early days in this race and a slew of other hopefuls could still emerge over the coming weeks in hope of becoming Ireland's 10th Úachtarán na hÉireann.
Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Calls to rename Cork city park named after bishop
A motion put forward by Cllrs Niamh O'Connor, Oliver Moran and Ted Tynan at Monday's meeting of Cork City Council proposed that as part of the redevelopment of Bishop Lucey Park, 'the Chief Executive shall undertake a process to explore the renaming of the park.' Seventeen of the City Council's 31 elected members voted in favour. Located on the Grand Parade and opened in 1985, the park is named after Bishop Con Lucey, who was the Catholic Bishop of Cork from 1952 until 1980. The park has been closed to the public since December 2023 for redevelopment. "In my opinion this is not a matter of renaming a park, it's a new park deserving of a new name. When the new park opens it will bear absolutely no resemblance to the park that was there previously. A new park presents a unique opportunity to choose a name that reflects what we value as a city," Cllr O'Connor said. The Social Democrats Councillor said the motion wasn't about committing to a name change for the park, but rather to undertaking a process to explore renaming it. 'Ultimately the people of Cork will decide the name of the park and that is exactly how it should be,' she said. Due to reopen in November, the redeveloped park will include improved access to the historic city wall, a new events pavilion and plaza, improved access and seating for all, and a new tower to mark the eastern entrance.
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Orange Order celebrations labelled ‘the perfect Twelfth' after bonfire controversies
With the sun shining and temperatures high, thousands hit the streets for the celebrations. People take part in a Twelfth of July parade in Belfast, part of the traditional Twelfth commemorations. The loyalist parades mark the anniversary of the Protestant King William's victory over the Catholic King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. Picture date: Saturday July 12, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Mark Marlow/PA Wire Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. DUP MP Leader Gavin Robinson, keeps in step with the band. 'Little protestant prince' with his mum. The Orange Order put a week of controversy behind them to put a sunny smile on King Billy's face. It was all ice cream, sunshine and smiles as thousands lined city streets and country roads at 18 venues across Northern Ireland for this year's Twelfth. Grand Secretary the Rev Mervyn Gibson hailed it as 'the perfect Twelfth'' as lodges sweltered in temperatures soaring towards 27 degrees. A controversial bonfire on Belfast's Donegall Road was lit without incident on Friday night while moves will now be stepped up to clear the site of deadly asbestos. 'Little protestant prince' with his mum. News in 90 Seconds - Sunday July 13 DUP leader Gavin Robinson addressed the parade in Belfast, while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly delivered a speech at the Lisburn parade. Ulster Unionist MP Robin Swann spoke at the parade in Carnlough, Co Antrim. He said some people dismissed the Twelfth and 'would rather we keep our heads down,' adding that the event brought people together and was about 'faith and freedom'. 'It crosses class, it bridges geography and it cuts across party political lines,' he said. Orange Order deputy grand master Harold Henning told the parade in Maghera that unionist political parties had to work together. 'The leadership of this institution remains consistent in its desire to see closer collaboration between the leadership of our pro-union political parties so as to maximise unionist representation at all levels of government. 'Cooperation between our political representatives must be encouraged – more than that, it should be demanded, and country should always come before party or individual self-interest. 'Let's get that message out to our politicians – as a people, we want to see more unity of purpose across political unionism.' One of the largest parades took place in Keady, Co Armagh, where Orange Order grand secretary Mervyn Gibson spoke about the strengths of the union. DUP MP Leader Gavin Robinson, keeps in step with the band. He said: 'We need to promote the union at every opportunity – a union that has stood the test of time and continues to offer its citizens stability, opportunity and purpose. 'At its heart, the United Kingdom is more than just a political entity. 'It is a partnership of four nations England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own identity, traditions, and strengths. 'Let us concentrate on building and promoting this union which a generation defended during the Troubles against the murderous, cowardly terrorist campaign of republicans.' Members of local Orange lodges were joined on parade by visiting lodges from Scotland and further afield. The main parade in Belfast set off from the Orange hall at Clifton Street in north Belfast. Labour MP and NIO Minister Fleur Anderson and Emma-Little Pengelly were in Keady. Crowds have lined the streets of cities, towns and villages all over Northern Ireland on Saturday to attend Twelfth of July parades. 'It's important to see that you can have a cultural identity that can be celebrated and is also peaceful,' said Labour MP for Putney. Rev Gibson said the lead-up to the Twelfth has been 'tremendous'. Asked about the Eleventh night and bonfires he said: '99% of everything passed off wonderfully. 'Today couldn't be a better day for it, the sun is shining and the bands are playing loud, it's just been a great Twelfth of July.' Earlier in Belfast, a small feeder parade passed the Ardoyne shops in the north of the city at 9am without issue. There was a small police presence at the shops, which in the past was the scene of parade-related trouble. The return parade will take place this morning. In a separate development police have described an attack on an Orange Hall in Rasharkin as a "hate crime'. Shortly after 1.20am police received a report of criminal damage caused to an Orange Hall in the Main Street area. Paint had been thrown over the front of the building and graffiti daubed on walls opposite. District Commander for Causeway Coast and Glens, Superintendent Sinead McIldowney said: 'We are treating this criminal damage as a sectarian-motivated hate crime. 'The Police Service condemns all sectarian hate crime and criminal damage caused to any property is absolutely unacceptable.. 'We will thoroughly investigate this matter and would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference 177 of 12/07/25. 'Our officers will continue to proactively patrol the area and engage with the local community around any concerns they may have.'
