Win a break away to see Dec Pierce's Block Rockin Beats Live at the Marquee Cork
Prize Details
One pair of tickets to Dec Pierce's Block Rockin Beats on Saturday, July 12.
An overnight stay with breakfast for two people sharing at the Metropole Hotel, Cork.
Terms and conditions apply, tickets and accommodation are for Saturday, July 12 only. No cash alternative. Editors' decision is final. Closing date 12 noon, Friday, June 6.
For concert details www.aikenpromotions.com
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Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Weather fails to rain on the parade as five-day Cork on a Fork food festival kicks off
In a city with an Irish name that translates as 'marsh' or 'bog' and in a county with the second-highest rainfall rates in the country, choosing to gamble with the weather gods is invariably one of the longest shots of all. On foot of forecasts of heavy evening downpours, the decision was made to bring the outdoor long table dinner on MacCurtain St, Cork on a Fork food festival's flagship event, indoors into the Metropole Hotel. Early yesterday morning, the Good Day Deli restaurant in the Nano Nagle Centre was a hive of activity preparing for Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy to formally launch Cork on a Fork. It was then immediately followed by the opening event, Cork on a Fork media partner Irish Examiner's business breakfast, sponsored by retail giant Musgrave. But, amidst the general hubbub, festival manager Niamh Murphy and her crew were huddled around phones, hoping one of the multitude of weather forecasting apps being consulted would contradict the overwhelming predictions of heavy evening showers at precisely the same time dinner would be served up to the 450 diners slated to sit down at an outdoor table running the length of MacCurtain St. A collaboration of 20 chefs led by Alex Petit put the finishing touches on salad course during the VQ Shared Table. Picture: Chani Anderson With a decision required by 10am on whether to host the event outdoors or revert to the fallback plan of moving it inside to the Metropole Hotel, to allow sufficient time to build the temporary infrastructure necessary to host so many diners for a drinks reception followed by five-course dinner, Ms Murphy and her crew agonised over the call. The decision switched back and forth, until eventually, head won out over heart and Ms Murphy and the Victorian Quarter (VQ) organising committee made the call to move it indoors, deciding a deluge of rainfall would hardly make the ideal sauce for the evening meal. This was after which every sunburst from behind the clouds was greeted as a two fingers up to the organisers, while intermittent and heavy showers justified a decision very reluctantly taken. 'At the end of the day,' said Ms Murphy, 'We had to put the experience of the diners first. Mary Hydes, Sandra Looney, and Lynda O'Donnell at the drinks reception on MacCurtain Street during the VQ Shared Dining Experience at the Cork on a Fork Festival. Picture: Chani Anderson "Over 20 chefs from the VQ have poured their heart and soul into this menu, which ultimately is the primary focus of the night, and we couldn't risk ruining their efforts with the forecasts being so unpredictable. We hope that the diners appreciated their huge effort. 'There was still an element of the outdoor experience and, thanks to TS Events, who played a blinder to help us, we secured a marquee at the last minute to ensure the drinks reception could be hosted on the street before going in to dine.' The newly refurbished Metropole made for a splendid venue, and a genuinely superb dinner, considering it was being served up to 450 guests, was every bit as good as it would have been outside — a five-course sharing menu featuring the cream of Cork producers, beginning with snacks and then bread and dips, followed by starters of Castletownbere crab and Glenbrook Farm pork terrine. The main course featured Fitzgerald black Angus striploin 'rosé', while delicious dessert starred West Cork strawberries. Lady Mayoress Karen Brennan enjoying the 'long table' dinner in the Metropole hotel on MacCurtain St. Picture: Chani Anderson The first plates hit tables, a few brief showers fell, but after that, the evening remained dry and balmy. Whether that rain fell in sufficient volume to deter Corkonians, well used to the stuff, was briefly debated before the party resumed. Chairman of the VQ business district, Liam Maher, said: 'Despite the disappointment of having to move such a unique event indoors, we were delighted to host the opening night of Cork on a Fork Fest once again this year with an evening that not only showcases the food and flavours of Cork, but also highlights what can be achieved when we all work together to put a spotlight on this fantastic city which we all love. "This evening's experience has been brought to you by 20 chefs and over 40 front-of-house staff from across the VQ, and it's an incredible showcase of what we have to offer.' In the heel of the hunt, if you choose to gamble in the weather gods' casino, the house invariably wins. Either way, it was a tremendous evening and a superb celebration of the best of Cork food. Maybe next year, we'll just take the brollies and stay outside.
Extra.ie
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Iron Maiden legend Paul Mario Day dies aged 69
The original Iron Maiden frontman Paul Mario Day has passed away at the age of 69 and tributes are pouring in. A statement confirming the sad news was shared by the band More, the group Paul was with after his time with Iron Maiden. The heavy metal icon played a key role for the genre in the 1970s, being with Iron Maiden for their launch and the beginning of the movement dubbed the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Paul Mario Day and bass guitarist Brian Day (left) of heavy metal group More in1981. Pic:More stated: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great MORE vocalist Paul Mario Day. 'Paul was a huge part of the NWOBHM from his time in an early version of Iron Maiden and of course his fantastic performance on the Warhead album. He was a well loved figure in British rock music and played many memorable shows not least the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock show at Castle Donninton with AC/DC Whitesnake/David Coverdale as well as tours with Iron Maiden Def Leppard and many other legendary artists. 'Mike Freeland remembers him fondly as a 'bloody great vocalist!' 'It's an honour for us to continue to play his music and we will always think of him every time we hit the opening notes to 'Warhead'. 'We send our deepest condolences to Paul's family and friends and also the many fans around the world who love his music. 'Play his music loud and sing along! 'Thank you. Rock in peace Paul.' Paul was born in London in 1956 and became the first singer for Iron Maiden at the age of 19 in December 1975. He was with the group for 10 months before they replaced him with Dennis Wilcock, who also had a short-lived stint. Paul formed More in 1980, and the band released its debut album, 'Warhead', the following year. Paul (centre) with his fellow More band members. Pic:The iconic frontman also went on to lead the band Wildfire from 1983 to 1984 and in 1985 he joined a reformed version of the band Sweet alongside guitarist Andy Scott and drummer Mick Tucker. Andy also paid tribute to Paul on Sweet's social media accounts. He shared: 'In 1985 Mick Tucker and myself put together the first new line-up of Sweet after the hiatus of the original band. 'We needed a singer and when Paul arrived for the audition we looked no further. Our first dates were in Australia, total sell-outs which boded well for the future. 'Europe followed suit and 3 sold out nights at the Marquee in London produced a live album, video and DVD. ''Live at the Marquee' did well in various charts around the world and Paul's vocal performance has stood the test of time.' Heavy metal fans have flooded social media with tributes to one of the main faces of NWOBHM. One fan wrote: 'I saw Paul with More at Ayr Pavillion in April 1981 then a Donington a few months later. I also saw him with Sweet in Nov 1985. Great vocalist. Sadly missed.' Another commented: 'Just finished a play along session with the first album to honor Andy, Kenny and Paul. R.I.P. all of them. Some classic tunes these guys made. Now to bed trying to forget.' A third added: 'RIP Paul. I love the two Wildfire albums too, it was Paul's band.'
Irish Examiner
25-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
Michael McIntyre review: Cork welcomes 'Macnificent' comedian to the Marquee
After a season celebrating familiar faces and homegrown talent at this year's Live at the Marquee, Cork welcomes an old friend to close out this year's diverse festival in the iconic blue and yellow tent. While it may have been a while since last performing here, Michael McIntyre needs no introduction, having already solidified himself as a household name. This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Take us with you this summer. Annual €130€65 Best value Monthly €12€6 / month
