CHARITY PRAISED FOR INVALUABLE SUPPORTS OFFERED TO CANCER PATIENTS

CHARITY PRAISED FOR INVALUABLE SUPPORTS OFFERED TO CANCER PATIENTS

Eoghan Murphy, General Manager, Cork International Airport Hotel presenting the Carrigdhoun Newspaper / Cork International Airport Hotel Community Spirit Award to Linda Goggin-James at the Cork Cancer Care Centre. Included are centre volunteers Alma Riordan, Ralph O’Flaherty and James White. 
Picture: Adrian O’Herlihy

 

Cork Cancer Care Centre wins Community Spirit Award

Cork Cancer Care Centre is the latest winner of the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award. The centre offers support, advice and a shoulder to lean on to people touched by cancer.

The centre is located on St Paul’s Avenue in Cork City. A team of dedicated volunteers, therapists and counsellors provide a range of services free of charge to help people cope with the initial diagnosis as well as the side effects and after effects of cancer treatment.  

Cork Cancer Care Centre provides one-to-one counselling sessions, nutrition advice from an oncology nurse, gentle yoga classes, and group coaching from a cancer recovery coach. It also organises weekly peer support groups, for people to find solace, encouragement and friendships with others who are going through similar experiences. 

It began in 2011 as The Girls Club, however the demand for services continued to grow with both women and men availing of a range of services including acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, massage and one-to-one counselling sessions.  The charity changed its name to Cork Cancer Care Centre in 2017.

General Manager of the Cork International Hotel, Eoghan Murphy said; "We are incredibly honoured to present this month’s Community Spirit Award to Cork Cancer Care Centre. They were nominated by a young mum who availed of support after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She describes the centre as a safe, nurturing space, where she was understood, could talk freely about cancer, and they knew exactly what she needed. So many people are touched by cancer every year and organisations like this are vital. Their unwavering commitment to providing essential support and care to those facing cancer is truly remarkable. We applaud their dedication and tireless efforts to help individuals and families through their toughest times ensuring that no one faces cancer alone."

The Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards are sponsored by The Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware.

The judging panel for the Community Spirit Awards are made up of a mixture of representatives from the public and private sector within the community.

The judging panel for this award was:

• Carmel Lonergan, Group Director of Operations, Trigon Hotels

• Nicola Radley, Senior Executive Officer, Municipal District Operations & Rural Development at Cork County Council

• Vincent O'Donovan, Publisher of The Carrigdhoun Newspaper

 

Nominations are now open for next month's awards at: https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/community-spirit-awards/ . 

press release

At The Busy New Yorker for Lunch

Lunch at Cork International Hotel

The Busy New Yorker

gin and lemon

It is big, bright and comfortable. And the New Yorker, the restaurant bar at Cork International Hotel, is abuzz as we sit down to try out the new lunch menu. The busy staff remain friendly and efficient as even more punters arrive and the large space begins to totally fill up.

There are two main choices here, both on the same menu card. There is the Deli Menu, mainly a carvery where you can have your meat, fish or curry (all about 12,50). Carvery dishes are served with creamed potatoes and seasonal veg. Also available are sandwich, salad, quiche and various combinations with soup.

taco

We were interested in the main lunch menu. This includes Soup of the Day, the International Toasted Special, Southern Fried Chicken Wrap, Toonsbridge Open Mozzarella Sandwich (on warm tomato focaccia), Ardsallagh Goats Cheese Salad (including Wexford strawberries!), a Caesar Salad, a Health Food Salad and Quiche of the Day.

Some great choices there. Hard to pick one but I went for the Slow Cooked Pulled Beef Sandwich BBQ Sauce, Mushrooms, Onions, Emmental Cheese, Spicy Mayo,Toasted Ciabatta, Sweet Potato Fries (12.50). Packed full of flavour, superb beef, the ciabatta a perfect “wrap” and those tasty fries, all well cooked and neatly presented. Quite a delicious plateful.

beef

And the Chef Special Taco (Your choice of Slow Roasted Pork, Prawn or Chicken) Tomato, Mango, Coriander, Cucumber Salsa, Guacamole Dip, Soft Shell Taco was well appreciated by the OBC. She choose the chicken and the whole colourful, slightly spicy, totally delicious combination, again with those Sweet Potato fries, was another winner.

And they’ve got even more on this list: a Vegetable Thai Green Curry; McCarthy’s Prime Double Beef Burger; Atlantic Fish and Chips; and a West Cork Seafood Platter. Something for everyone here.

Would we go for dessert? Yes, we would. Early on I had spotted the Cork Dry Gin and Lemon Parfait. You know I finished that, every little drop, well every little bit. Our other dessert was the Apple and Cinnamon Pudding, a large chunk of it but nicely moist and well made and well appreciated also.

apple and cinnamon

By the way, if you don’t have time for a full lunch or arrive in between meal times, you may avail of the New Yorker Lobby menu. And the New Yorker now accepts payments made with Apple Pay (limit of €30.00 per transaction). Check out all the menus on the website below.

New Yorker Bar 

Cork International Hotel

Cork Airport Business Park

Co. Cork, T12 H516

(021) 454 9800

Opening Hours at the New Yorker
12:00 – 17:00 Lunch Menu (Daily)
17.00 – 22:00 Full Dinner Menu (Daily)

The Grand Dame Celebrates. Metropole 120 Party

The Grand Dame Celebrates

Metropole 120 Party

“McCurtain Street is back on the map. Is Grand Dame, the Metropole Hotel, never went away and, in appropriate style, she celebrated her 120 anniversary at the weekend. The hotel and especially the ballroom, where so many couples met and married over the decades, was looking splendid as the many guests arrived.

And there were many of the couples who got married here along with former staff members among the invited guests. Newly elected Lord Mayor Tony Fitzgerald recalled a wedding occasion in his speech. He was a page boy at his aunt’s reception in the Met in the early sixties but admitted to spending most of the day checking out the lift! Indeed, that very lift was a major attraction in the very early days of the hotel when it was owned by the Musgrave family.

“Cork,” he said, “is a great city to work and live in. And also a great city to visit.” He told us that mayors from two of our twin cities will visit this year and he is also looking forward to a visit from the World Health Organisation to mark Cork's designation as a healthy city. “The Metropole has played its part in the development of the city. Long may it continue.”

General manager Roger Russell was next to address the guests and said it was a great opportunity to look back through the memories. “The response has been phenomenal, especially from former team members. What a story she, the Grand Dame, could tell, of the city, of the world. After starting in 1897, the Metropole, which was a temperance hotel owned by the local Musgrave family, quickly established itself."

This week's photo of the hotel's front and, below (from a few years ago), the back is reflected in the Lee

"In more recent times, just forty years ago, it began its relationship with the Cork Jazz Festival and we’re looking forward to the new Oyster Festival in September. I'm very proud to be manager here this evening.” And he finished with a big thank you to the team.

Aaron Mansworth, Group General Manager and Director at Trigon Hotels (they also include the Cork International Hotel and the Cork Airport Hotel in their portfolio), extended a big welcome. “It’s wonderful to be here. I spent five years working in the Waldorf Astoria in New York and there are certain similarities. We had a great team there and a great team here.

And he spoke of the exciting plans for the area and their new “M” hotel to be built nearby on the old PJ O'Hea site. “It is a wonderful project. Will be a huge benefit to the area, especially in terms of jobs. I’d like to acknowledge the local  business people who have put McCurtain Street back on the map. Here in the Metropole, we hope to continue creating memories for life! So please join with me in raising a glass to the wonderful Grand Dame!” 

And that we were all glad to do. The hospitality was terrific. All kinds of drinks: bubbles, beer, wine, cocktails. And chef Shane O’Sullivan sent out a constant stream of delicious canapés. And all the while the band (jazz, of course) played. A lavish party, they promised. And that is exactly what the Grand Dame and the team delivered. Here’s to another 120.

These ladies know how to organise a party!

Let us take a  few “flashbacks” to incidents in the hotel’s history before we finish. Edward VII is reputed to have had tea on the roof of The Metropole when he visited Cork in 1903 for the city’s Great Exhibition. Down the years many more famous personalities have been guests of the Metropole, and included Gregory Peck, James Mason, Frank O’Connor, John Steinbeck, Vittoria de Sica, John Huston and Walt Disney. 

However it was Dawn Adams, the 1950’s British film star, who created the greatest stir when she stayed at The Metropole. When she was attending the Cork Film Festival she requested a bath of milk. Douglas Vance, the famous hotelier of the Metropole, refused such a request as the people of Cork were finding it hard to makes ends meet. The story made headlines around the world at that time.

It wouldn’t be Cork without someone taking the pee!  According to a weekend Facebook post, one Cork comedian said that Dawn Adams eventually had her milk bath and while it was being poured a porter knocked at her door and she told him to go away as she was having a milk bath. He asked if it was pasteurised and she replied "it isn't past my ass yet“.

Cork Summer Show 2017. Town and Country Get-together in the sun.

The Cork Summer Show 2017

Town and Country Get-together in the sun.

Ford 100

The organisers of the Cork Summer Show got the weather they, and it, deserved this weekend and once again it proved to be a very enjoyable occasion, a chance to catch up with old friends, to try something new (like the Cotton’s Ball’s Cascade beer), to pick up info from the County Council tent on the many things to see and do from Mitchelstown to Allihies, from Youghal to Newtownshandrum.

First friendly face we recognised was Sandra Murphy. She had been up late at the previous night's fashion show in the Cork International Hotel but was in bubbly form as always at their desk. We entered a competition there, so fingers crossed!

Then we met Rebecca at the Taste Cork tent, all busy preparing for the day-long schedule of cookery demos. Up and down the rows of trade stalls then before arriving at the County Council stands where we collected quite a few information leaflets on places like Spike Island and Camden Fort Meagher, along with those handy town maps for places like Clonakilty, Youghal etc.

One Horsepower!

It was getting busy at the western section as owners (often with the whole family) prepared the cattle and horses and more for the judges. The equine judges were first in action and I must say I was taken with the side saddle event even if there were just two competitors.

Something cool was now in order and we got a delicious ice-cream from Clonakilty Ice-cream (I recommend the honeycomb!) before moving on to see the petting section. Luckily for the pigs and hunting dogs (there were two packs) here, the tops of their cages were partially covered so that they could enjoy some shade.

The poultry section had quite a few exotic breeds including a big line-up of bantams. The owner of one helpfully opened the cage door for me and I was able to get a close-up of his Polish Bantam hen; the cock was next door but that cage stayed shut! “A high maintenance couple,” the owner confided.

The newly elected City Lord Mayor Tony Fitzgerald was being shown around as we got back to the entertainment area where many families were sitting on anything from long wooden seats to bean bags) having a bite and a drink and listening to the music or enjoying the magician. 

A bit early perhaps but we did enjoy a glass of that Cascade, a well hopped deliciously flavoured beer from the Cotton Ball, with an abv of just 3.8%. Lots of other choices here too, including local gins and whiskeys. 

By now, lots of old Ford vehicles were motoring into the grounds, cars, vans and tractors, as the show organisers recognised the company’s 100 year old links with the city and county. Some lovely old, and not so old, vehicles here and we got a personal run-down on a 1947 Prefect, even info on courting in the back seat! My Dad had one of these in the early 60s

Polish Bantam

How about a bit to eat? The only problem here was making up your mind; there were so many stalls, big and small, selling food to eat on the spot. A few months back, I got some Peri Peri sauces to sample from Athula and when I saw he was doing food here, I had to try it. And yes indeed, his Peri Peri Chicken Pitta was delicious and nicely spiced (I had asked for medium!). That and a glass of water was dispatched while standing at a barrel table as the sun beat down.

We were into the afternoon now and, having arrived early, stamina was running out. Besides, the dog, who had been left at home, would need to be walked, so we retreated from Curraheen, meeting many people on the way in. This is a huge attraction for town and country and deserves all the support. And they came in record numbers. It is estimated that 27,000 people attended the show on Saturday and a further 33,000 attended on Sunday. 

Perfect Prefect

Cork International Airport Hotel. Enjoyable Meal At New Yorker

Cork International Airport Hotel

Enjoyable Meal At New Yorker 

Outside the mist-laden wind was blowing and the famous (notorious) Farmer’s Cross fog was making ghostly shapes in the car park lights. But inside at the New Yorker restaurant of the Cork International Airport Hotel, it was a different climate with warming fires and diners tucking in to some lovely food in a very comfortable room indeed. We revisited last Friday and absolutely enjoyed our dinner as we had on previous occasions.

We were soon seated - not too far from one of the fires - and studying the menu, quite an extensive one, based on local produce and geared for locals and travellers alike. We picked from the main menu though there is a very good set menu on offer as well.

They had three specials on the night and CL went with one of those, Smoked Salmon with avocado, for her starter, a superb choice as it turned out as this was a very successful pairing indeed.

And I too was off to flier with the Crispy Duck Spring Rolls, served with an Asian style salad with sweet chilli dipping sauce. This was a delightful combination, light with gorgeous contrasts of flavours and  textures. One to watch for in the future.

The starters had certainly brought the taste buds to attention and two excellent main courses maintained the standard. Moroccan Spiced Lamb Rump, served with Couscous, steamed broccoli, and a Lamb Jus was CL’s choice and soon she was singing its praises, delighted with all the parts.

Mine was the Pressed Slow Roasted Pork Belly and that came with Celeriac potato puree, rhubarb and ginger compote, glazed carrots and red wine jus. The pork had been pressed into a kind of roulade with a herby skim in between. Quite  serious eruptions of flavours here, excellent textures too. Perfect overall, another superb example from the repertoire of chef Hugh Bailey.

The mains had been accompanied by wine from their short list.  The Marques de Plata, Tempranillo/Syrah/ Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Valencia, nice and fruity, went well with the lamp while my Chianti Colli Senesi from Tuscany, aromatic and well balanced, did the job with the Pork Belly.

Service was friendly and excellent. There was a delay with our shared dessert - a Lemon Mousse Tart - but when we pointed it out (no complaint) it soon arrived to smiles all around and indeed we were pleasantly surprised to hear our server say there’d be no charge for it. Good PR for sure and much appreciated, as was the experience overall.

Cork International Hotel. You Lunch; Kids Play

Cork International Hotel

Relax. You Lunch. Kids Play

Nice and cool. Your Prawn Cocktail (left)  and more.

Take the kids to lunch and relax. Where? At the Cork International Hotel at the airport.

For the past three weeks, their buffet lunch has been up and running. Kids are catered for on the menu and, when they have wolfed down the food, they can move to the adjacent play room, a large and well equipped area, equipped with everything from soft toys to big screens for games. Parents can relax as the kids can leave the play-room* only through the dining area. It is an excellent set-up.

And the food? They say you eat with your eyes. And you are off to a great start here. Terrific displays of juices caught my eye and then too the serve-yourself Caesar salads, the fruit selection, and the display of breads. CL picked the Housemade chicken liver pate with onion conserve and crusty bread while I choose the Boston prawn cocktail with iceberg and marie rose.

Took those back to our table and enjoyed them. Quite a few family groups among the Sunday diners. It may be largely self-service but there is no shortage of staff here, all friendly and efficient, and they’re at hand if you want a drink from the bar or a top up of your water. Plenty of room between and on the tables and seating is comfortable.

The main event!

Well satisfied with the starters, we headed back for the mains. The chef was serving up traditional roasts (pork and beef last Sunday) and you could help yourself to a Baked Salmon Fillet or Roast Supreme of Chicken or a tempting Indian Style Lamb Curry and more. And, of course, lots of well cooked seasonal vegetables plus mashed potatoes. The chef too was offering roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and various sauces (horseradish for the beef, apple for the pork and gravy of course!). Very happy with my beef and trimmings!

We had been tipped off about the dessert selection here and indeed had seen the colourful display on each visit to the spacious food area. Now we were choosing for real. Had to refrain from grabbing one of those fruit skewers as I passed the kiddies selection - not that anyone was counting - and we finally picked a slice of Lemon Meringue Pie and a Forest Berry Vanilla Cheesecake, both gorgeous with a cup of top quality coffee.

Go on! Take one. Or Two?

 After your meal why not move to the lounge. Sip an après digestif as you listen to the live piano music. Oh, don't forget to collect the kids afterwards!

Sample menu and contact details below.

Some of the kids' desserts.

Starter Selection

Housemade chicken liver pate with onion conserve and crusty bread

Boston prawn cocktail with iceberg and marie rose

Platter selection of cut melon with balsamic dressing and rocket

Classic Tossed Caesar salad with creamy Caesar dressing

Seasonal soup with selection of breads

From the Chef Station

Traditional Roast Beef with roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings

Roast Loin of Pork with roast gravy and apple

Vegetarian stir-fry – ala minute

Vegetarian pasta – ala minute

Buffet

Baked Lemon Peppered Salmon fillet

Roasted supreme of chicken with mushroom tarragon sauce

Indian style Lamb curry with steamed basmati rice and poppadoms

Seasonal selection of buttered vegetables

Parsley Boiled Potatoes Perfect Mash

Kids Buffet

Chicken Goujons and fries

Sausage and mash

Macaroni Cheese

Chefs Dessert Buffet

Selection of Pies/Cakes/Sweets

Lemon Meringue Pie

Malteser Honeycomb Chocolate Tart

Forest Berry Vanilla Cheesecake

Tiramisu

Kids Dessert Buffet

Fruit jelly

Fresh fruit skewers

Trifle

Chocolate brownie cake

Beverages

Juice Selection & Freshly Brewed Tea and Coffee*

*Alcoholic beverages are available for an additional cost

• Play-room is a “work in progress”. Not quite fully equipped yet (they are awaiting their X-Box) but almost there.

Sunday Lunch

3 Course Gourmet Buffet Lunch

12:30 - 15:00

Pianist and Childrens play area

Prices: €25 adults and €15 for children

Reservations accepted for group of 10 or more

Tel: +353 21 454 9800 | E: info@corkinternationalhotel.com