OVER 2,000 ATTEND CORK CITY'S FIRST DIVERSITY DAY EVENT

The event organised by the Cork City Integration Forum of which Cois Tine is a member took place in a city centre park on Saturday 28th of August.

During a speech to mark the occasion the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Michael O’Connell said,  “There are now people of more than sixty nationalities living in Cork who have become part of Cork. Today’s celebration is about saying that Cork is a diverse city and especially that this diversity makes it a better place.   Today is not about welcome - it is about recognising that that people from many nations are an integral and valued part of our Community.”

The Lord Mayor went on to stress the continued effort needed to promote integration saying, “It is important that the process of appreciating diversity and of accepting different views and cultures is supported so that its benefits can grow and contribute to a better future, socially, economically and politically in this city.  It is important that local government, statutoryand community groups work internally and in the wider community to promote fairness, tolerance, justice and respect because it is these that are the cornerstones of community, upon which the future of CorkCity and the quality of our lives depend.”

The event also included African Drumming provided by the Cois Tine Drumming Circle, International Music, national costumes, food and dancing.  Among the more than 2,000 to attend the event were Senator Dan Boyle and Minister John Gormley TD.