The 'Independence of the Seas' visits once again

The ' Independence of the Seas' arrived in port yesterday and docked at the Deep Water Quay. She is a magnificent sight. The 'Independence' is one of the biggest liners in the World, and did in fact have that title when she was launched last year. Tied up along the quayside she looked absolutely huge. I walked out along the High Road to take a few pictures looking down on her and had to go nearly to the very end before I could fit her in the lens. There were plenty of activities in the town to entertain the passengers and crew. Would you believe there were nearly 4,500 passengers onboard and 1,500 crew. Wow, that's almost like a town in its own right. As they all streamed out there was a blues band playing in the bandstand of the promenade and a complete outdoor market along the length of Westbourne Place. As they were joined by sightseers coming into the town there were thousands milling about. Its a pity the weather didn't play its part as it had been beautiful all week with blue skies and temperatures in the twenties. However, the slight drizzle failed to dampen spirits. Indeed, there was a real festive buzz. As the ship was overnighting this continued on into the evening. We had 'Something Simple' playing in O' Shea's Bar. They went down a bomb. They are very good, though. A great traditional Irish band, the trio really belt out the more popular traditional tunes. The girl with the madolin is an exceptionally talented musician and really makes the band. Many of the passengers called in and were delighted. A lot of the passengers and crew also make their way to the Disco. In fact Club C was positively packed. In fact a great night was had allround and as the night revellers made their way back to the ship they were in great spirits.

Visit of 'The Eclipse' on her maiden voyage

On the 30th April, the first overnight liner of the year arrived into port. 'The Eclipse' was on her maiden voyage and was on a one night stop over before her return to Southampton. Here is a picture of her at dock on the Deep Water Quay, taken from the roof garden of the hotel.

Titanic Memorial

On the 16th May, Cobh Tourism held the annual commemoration of the sinking of the Lusitania. The centrepiece of the event once more culminated in a reading and service at the Lusitania monument in the square. However, a presentation by two East Cork divers afterwards in the Jack Doyle Room was most interesting and drew a large crowd.

Senator David Norris speaks at the Chamber Dinner

Last Friday night Senator David Norris was the guest speaker at the Cobh and Harbour Chamber Annual Dinner. What a breath of fresh air. He was brilliant; easily the best speaker the Chamber have had. He was funny, intelligent and insightful. The large crowd were entertained, enthralled, and couldn't get enough of his wisdom. The Banks, the Revenue Commissioners, and the Government all came in for a tongue lashing. Well deserved you might say!

End of season party for Stephen Ireland

With the premiership season over, Manchester City's Stephen Ireland returned back to Cobh for a week's break two week's ago. On the Saturday night Stephen threw a party for old classmates and friends in the Jack Doyle Room. No expense was spared and Stephen flew in a top DJ from Machester to give his buddies a right good knees up. Fair play to you Stephen, well done!

In memory of Mike Rudd

On the 8th May, we had a little unveiling ceremony. A number of months back the Irish Titanic Historical Society contacted us. They wanted to know would we put up a picture in memory of Mike Rudd.

Titanic 2012

Plans are well afoot in Cobh to mark the centenial anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Cobh Tourism is central in putting together a development plan to get the town ready. One of the main objectives for 2012 is to achieve a national award in the Tidy Towns competition. The drive towards achieving this will ensure that the town will be looking its best for that centenary year.

The Welsh Invasion

For over 30 years Gilley Myles and the gang from Pontardulais have made the bi-annual pilgrimage to watch Wales play Ireland in the 6 Nations Rugby championship....but they watch it on the telly!!! It is now a time honoured tradition to follow the Welsh team onto Irish soil for the match in Dublin, but crossing the Irish sea is as far as it goes. After that many bands of Welshmen hunker down in favoured watering holes across the length and breadth of the country. That's not saying that there isn't any Welsh support in the stands of Landsowne Road or Croke Park, wherever the match may be....but there is by far a bigger contingent not at the match at all!!! ....and so it was again this year, as hordes of our near Celtic neighbours descended onto our shores once more.

This year Gilley had a big gang with him. No doubt the fact that Ireland were coming into the match as Grand Slam champions had made it all the more attractive. However, the launch of the Cork Swansea ferry service seemed to make Cobh as a destination more accessible. Despite this some of Gilley's number actually flew over from London after driving all the way down from Swansea. Phew!

The lads from Pontardulais were not going to be alone though. There was also a gang over from Hendy, their neighbouring village from across the bridge.

Snowed in...a first!!! Well almost....

Earlier this year we got snowed in. Its been a long time since this has happened. Various punters had reckoned it was 1991 since we saw this much snow. Not that it hasn't snowed in Cobh since then, but it is rarely this heavy...and it needs to be for snow to land 'down town.' Being so close to the sea, snow rarely lands and stays here and on the lower parts of the island. Up on the hills and heights snow has been seen more regularly. Indeed, a number of years ago we even had a 'White Christmas.' Then on Sunday 10th January it snowed....and snowed. By the afternoon there was a good accumulation of the white stuff around most of the town and as it got dark it started to land and build up down town. Living up on the heights I couldn't budge for most of the day and instead helped the kids with their snowman and the obligatory snow fight. However, by the evening cabin fever was setting in and I decided to venture down to the hotel for a few pints. I wasn't the only one as a few of the regulars had braved the elements having the same thoughts as I had. One of those oft spontaneous sessions ensued and as Winter tightened its icy grip outside we didn't care for it was warm and cosy in O'Sheas Bar.....