Official Opening of Pana

23rd Sep 2004

The Official Opening of Pana
September 22nd 2004

Here's a few snaps from the big day.

Brass band playing Montenotte, The Boys of Fair Hill and other Cork songs as the parade made its way up Pana

Lord Mayor SeÂ·n Martin proceeds down Pana in traditional style: with a mad swinging arms gatch and old doll at his side. Doubcha SeÂ·nie boy!

The Dublin media arrived and began reporting about an event outside Dublin. Lamp the big red ribbon in the background. Some grade you'd get for that on Ebay today.

Bit of crowd for a Wednesday afternoon an' all like

Feens erected a stage outside Fitzgerald's facing north up Pana.

Spanish old doll Beth Gali who designed parts of Barcelona was brought into give Pana a facelift. No double entendres here folks.

Lord Mayor Michael Martin's Brother makes a speech. He said that Pana has seen many events in its time: from the homecoming of All-Ireland teams to the funerals of Terrance McSweeney and TomÂ·s MacCurtin. Basically its a level above those gammy streets like North Main St and Merchant's Quay.

The Lord Mayor manages to hold the attention of a few shams hoping they'll be given a half day and not have to go back to work after lunch.

The Cork Business Association king pin does a rap about keeping the city clean.

Councillors all decked out in their Santy gear.

Known in many parts of the city as the Pot Hole Master - City Manger Joe Gavin busts the mic.

So EUR13 million squid later and we've got a reasonably presentable Pana. Opinion is divided on the lights but overall the gaf is looking miles better than it did two years ago. Fair play.

As one of the Chamber of Commerce feens said in his speech: we come out in our tens of thousands to beat our chest with pride when we win an Ireland but we still throw litter and have little pride in our streets.

If you see anyone throwing shit on Pana let them know how you feel*. Although City Council are spending EUR4,000 on trying to keep Pana some way hygenic Corkonians must also take responsibilty and do their bit. Let us know what you think on the forums.

* obviously only say it to people smaller than you in case things gets nasty.

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