Lord Mayor S Speech at Civic Reception

LORD MAYOR’S SPEECH AT CIVIC RECEPTION One of the first traditions for an incoming Lord Mayor is to pay a visit to the English Market on the morning following the election. Last June it was my great privilege to enjoy that tradition, to meet with the traders, as well as the customers, and to enjoy a hearty Irish Breakfast in the Farmgate Cafe. This year my visit to the English Market was a little different, coming within a month of the historic State Visit by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 2. The State Visit had placed an international spot-light on the English Market - which of course has always been known by every Corkonian to be one of this country’s true gems. But what struck me that morning, besides the obvious buzz and vibrancy of the place, was the enormous pride that the stall-holders were taking in the role that they and their Market had played in show-casing much of what is best about this country –

 the warmth of an Irish welcome,

 our respect for history and tradition,

 our sense of humour and our genuine friendliness.

 And through the English Market and with the co-operation of An Bórd Bia, the traders had also delivered a key national message – the quality and health of our foods and of the Country’s agri-food sector. I think it’s fair to say that the English Market wore the Green Jersey very well, and that they did themselves and the Country proud, and I commend you all on the job that you did. In the following months I was pleased to have been invited to attend at other events in the Market – There was a visit by a bus-load of Active Elderly from Kilkenny (accompanied by the Liam McCarthy Cup), - In October the Traders organised a Children’s Halloween Competition with children (of many ages) carving out their own Halloween Pumpkin., - Over the coming months the Market will play host to a fund-raiser for the Threshold Housing Advice Centre, and will be the location for a film screening as part of the French Film Festival. It is true that the English Market is firstly, and most importantly, a Place of Commerce and Trade. But it is true also, that through engaging in many other diverse events and activities, the English Market and the Traders contribute richly to the City in the areas of social, community, cultural and artistic activities. These contributions create a unique connection between the Market and the broader City Community. It is both figuratively and literally at the heart of this great City. The unique relationship with the people of Cork has helped to sustain the English Market across the generations and has created a strong mutual sense of loyalty. Having played such a positive role in the State Visit, I think that it was fitting that the institution that is the English Market received due recognition and it did so by winning of a string of awards throughout 2011:

 It perhaps wasn’t too surprising following the events of May, that the English Market won the Cork Business Association’s Second Quarter Award.

 National recognition followed in November when Chambers Ireland awarded an Excellence in Local Government Award for the successful business model that exists between the Market, Cork City Council and Aramark Property Management Company.

 The year was rounded off nicely, when our Business Association confirmed the English Market as it’s Business of the Year. The business and commercial aspects are deserving of serious consideration. It is a fact that that the English Market supports literally hundreds of jobs, not only in the Market itself but across the greater region and beyond–  in agriculture and in fisheries,

 in confectionary and cheese making.

 And in the manufacture of a huge range of artisan products – patés, terrines, sauces, dressings, jams, preserves.... the list is too long for tonight but..... It is clear that the commercial importance of the English Market itself creates a strong and very meaningful connection back to the people - The reality is that hundreds of households across the region derive their income and livelihoods from the English Market. What is involved is a multi- million euro local economy, serving and supported by the people and having the Market at it’s very centre. The recent emergence of Country Markets and Farmers Markets tracks a growing public awareness around food sustainability, around carbon foot-printing and general environmental issues affecting food production and the sustainability of the food chain. Trading across 4 centuries, there is no better model of food and environmental sustainability than the English Market. To take just one example....“From field to plate” is a motto that would well epitomises Michael Bresnan’s Butchers Stall. The Bresnans have been trading in the Market since 1898, selling beef and lamb, from animals reared on the Bresnan farm and processed in the Bresnan Abbatoir. You can’t get more sustainable than that ! The English Market is owned by the City Council and is operated through it’s agent, Aramark Property Management. As one of the oldest municipal covered market of it’s type in western Europe, it is right that the City would honour the English Market for it’s contribution over the centuries to the City and the Region, but more especially - all that the Market and it’s traders achieved in 2011 and in this context it was my great privilege to propose this Civic Reception and to host you here in the Millenium Hall here this evening. We are living in difficult times and it is true that in it’s long history, the Market has been through tough times before... World Wars, a Civil War, the Great Famine, recessions and depressions. The English Market has remained – “a place of the people, and for the people.” I have touched upon the Green Credentials of the Market. These credentials are unrivalled and they, together with the loyalty of it’s customers, are the English Markets most valuable assets in tough times and in the face of changing consumer patterns and huge structural changes within retailing. You have had a great year in 2011 and I congratulate you all in all that you have achieved. I conclude tonight by wishing you continued success for many years to come.