Local Blackrock pub, The Pier Head, was recognised at this year’s Cork Better Building Awards.

The awards ceremony, held last week at The Metropole Hotel on MacCurtain Street, saw 13 Cork city buildings recognised across 10 categories.

The annual awards, organised by the Cork Business Association in partnership with Cork City Council, aim to recognise excellence in the care, presentation, and enhancement of Cork’s built environment, from heritage sites to new developments.

This year, 10 buildings were honoured with category title awards, including Blackrock’s Pier Head, and three were recognised with special merit awards.

The Pier Head‘underwent a change in ownership in 2021, with aesthetic refurbishment works completed over the course of the last four years.

The venue, which was a runner-up in last year’s awards, was recognised this year with an overall title award in the “best pub front” category.

The judging panel said the “vibrant” colours used on the facade of the building, and on the outdoor furnishings, were among several reasons for their final decision.

Speaking to The Echo, David MacCarthy, general manager of The Pier Head, said the recognition of the pub’s recent refurbishments is “a great feeling”.

“It’s really good for the pub, and good for Blackrock in general,” said Mr MacCarthy.

“It’s such a nice area. I think the pub matches the area very well, and blends into the community that we have here.

“All the staff that we have, the majority are from Blackrock, so I think it fits that we won the award for Blackrock.

“We worked very hard picking out the different colours [for the building] and we got a great sponsorship from Veuve Clicquot Champagne, so we followed that [colour scheme] with the outdoor benches and chairs,” he added.

“In the summer, when the sunlight hits those particular colours, it just kind of pops.

“When you walk down Blackrock Rd, and you come up on th

The Pier Head in Blackrock was recognised with the title award in the Best Pub Front category at this year's Better Building Awards. Picture: Larry Cummins.The Pier Head in Blackrock was recognised with the title award in the Best Pub Front category at this year’s Better Building Awards. Picture: Larry Cummins.

e area, all you can see is just that swarm of people and yellow [chairs and benches], with music outside and stuff too — it all becomes intertwined very well.

“We’ve been doing works for nearly four years, and it’s just kind of been slowly coming together,” he added.

“I remember at the start, when we first took over in the middle of covid, we could only ever sell stuff outside. I think that’s really what kicked off the outside renovations.

“We had brown tables and chairs and a very light blue colour on the building at the time; then we painted it this nice dark navy and have been adding new plants and other things for the last three years.

“There’s been a constant flow of different things happening, and hopefully, over the next few months, we’ll be getting more lights fitted outside.”

Mr MacCarthy additionally said that he is not only happy to be recognised for the team’s sake, but for the pub’s customers too, as “people come from all over the place to sit outside The Pier Head”.

“Being recognised as a really good pub, it just shows how good Blackrock is and how great the locals and customers are in general,” said Mr MacCarthy.

“We wouldn’t be anywhere without customers sitting at those tables.

“It’s a great feeling for us to be given an award.

“I hope we’ll be back again for a third time next year.”

Red Cove Inn fundraiser

Mahon’s Red Cove Inn is inviting members of the public to take part in their fundraising event this weekend. The venue, located on Avenue De Rennes, will be hosting a fundraising event on Saturday from 7pm in memory of Mossy Nason.

Participants can expect to enjoy a range of fun activities, including bingo and live music from DJ Colin G.

All funds raised from the event will go towards Marymount University Hospital and Hospice.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for The Red Cove Inn called on people across Mahon and Blackrock to take part.

“Join us for a night of fundraising for Marymount in memory of Mossy Nason,” the spokesperson said. “Every contribution, big or small, makes a huge difference.

“Thank you for your support in honouring Mossy’s memory and helping Marymount continue to provide comfort and care to our community.”

For more information, email: redcoveinn@hotmail.com.

Macnas launch Spacefest at Marina Market. Picture: Chani Anderson Macnas launch Spacefest at Marina Market. Picture: Chani Anderson

St Michael’s LGFC AGM

St Michael’s Ladies Gaelic Football Club (LGFC) is inviting club members to attend their annual general meeting (AGM) this month.

The club will host its AGM at Páirc Mhichíl Naofa in Mahon from 7.30pm on November 27.

In a post shared on social media, a spokesperson for the St Michael’s LGFC said they are “delighted to invite all members to attend our AGM”.

“This is a great opportunity to get involved, share your ideas, and help shape the year ahead,” the spokesperson said. “If you wish to submit a nomination, please contact our club secretary to request a nomination form.

“Our committee is always delighted to welcome new members.”

For more information, or to request a nomination form, email: stmichaels.cork@lgfa.ie.

Science at the Marina

One of Cork’s most popular Science Week events, Science at the Marina, will return to Leeside this week. Children across Mahon and Blackrock are invited to attend this free, all-ages celebration on Saturday, which aims to bring together budding scientists, artists, and curious minds for a vibrant day of discovery.

The event, which will feature interactive experiments, competitions, workshops, and arts and crafts, will take place from 11am to 4pm.

A dedicated Quiet Hour event will also be held on the day from 10am to 11am for children with additional sensory needs.

For more information on Science Week, visit: https://www.teagasc.ie/scienceweek.

Lost car keys

A call has been made to anyone who was walking along the Marina Promenade on Monday, who may have seen a lost pair of car keys.

In a post shared on social media, Alex Mangîr asked people from the area to keep an eye out for a missing pair of black car keys with a Mazda symbol.

Anyone who may have seen the keys or have information on their whereabouts is asked to contact Mr Mangîr via Facebook.