Pana Shops Must Show Support

5th Sep 2007

Pana Shops Must Show Support

Taking a stroll down Patrick's Street this week you could be forgiven for thinking that Cork footballers had been hacked to pieces by Sligo in their quarter final or mangled by Meath in the semis.

In the run up to an All Ireland final you'd expect, with the masses of native Corkonians working and managing businesses on our main thoroughfare, to see a few smatterings of red and white emerging from the windows and parapets of the hundreds of businesses to trumpet the dawning of a new era for Cork football.

This is the solitary show of support for Cork footballers on Pana with under two weeks to the All Ireland final

On Tuesday evening we took a walk along the street to check up on concerns among members on our discussion forum about the lack of support for the footballers from businesses in Cork.

Passionate Corkonians should take a seat before reading the next sentence, preferably breathing from an oxygen mask and nibbling on a Clonakilty black pudding whilst clutching their favourite Cork jersey.

There were TWO Cork flags visible on Pana, both neatly positioned on the balcony of the Tung Sing Chinese restaurant above HM Samuel jewellers on Patrick Street with some modest bunting stretched between two green metal posts just below them. We walked and observed every other business on the entire street. Nothing. Nada. Rud ar bith.

When the cold sweats, nausea and hallucinations had finished, we gathered our thoughts and decided something must be done.

How can any Corkonian bursting with pride at the success of our footballers not feel the cold wind of apathy blowing up a now potentially soulless street that has seen many a victorious Cork team parade along to the awe of tens of thousands of Corkonians?

Bainisteoir Billy Morgan and his band of warriors have been battling for the last four years against the toughest teams in the land. Unable to get past that taunting semi-final spot, Cork's unfathomable perseverance and success in this year's championship has sent shivers up spines from Tralee to Tyrone, fearful that their long lasting grip on Sam Maguire might finally be slipping to a bunch of tough and towering Cork footballers who make Premiership "stars" look like a bunch of nappy wetting ballet dancers.

Armed with some phone credit, the Golden Pages and a cup of Barry's we positioned ourselves in the control centre of the Peoples Republic to make enquiries.

Who is to blame? The businesses? City Council? Cork Business Association? The GAA? Globalisation and post-Celtic tiger yuppie disinterest? All was about to reveal itself.

Rosemary O'Shea at Waterstones assured us that she will be making sure her store jumps on board.
"We'll definitely be contributing to the window display - it's even in our interest to do so. We sell Cork books so it's worth our while."

Even the Canadian and Irish flags flying over Brown Thomas won't stop the store from adding the colours of the People's Republic to its windows. "We've always been committed to Cork sport", according to deputy store manager, Eamon O'Donovan, "and we've done something every year. This year won't be any different".

Gillian O'Regan at Easons was also glad we called:
"We'll be doing something", she said, "we'll dedicate at least one window to the Cork footballers".

Up the street Gentlemen's Quarters, who always get the colours out were glad of the reminder.
"I've a big box of stuff here alright", boomed store boss Denis Stanton, "I have about six flags and bunting. I'd better get them up soon!".

So have we lost our mojo? Some businesses on Patrick Street, initially appeared to be heavily marshalled by head offices, likely to kick up a fuss if anything "contrary to brand guidelines" reared its head.

The aptly named River Island (Corkonians must presume it's named after Cork's marshy waterways!), who have the privilege of being located smack bang in the middle of the Rebel County's heart, told us they had never added any Cork flags or bunting for Cork matches. Head office approval would have to be sought and...well...you know yourself.

Some gentle pressure, one proverbial PR panic later and the company's head office were on the blower: suddenly there were plans to add balloons, bunting and…wait for it….staff wearing Cork jerseys. Top marks.

Likewise HMV have never anointed their windows in the blood and bandage but supervisor Paula Hynes welcomed our call. Again, head office guidelines state blah blah blah but when we asked if a mysterious magic elf delivered a box of red and white bunting or a few flags she perked up.

"We would definitely, use anything like that", she told us, "we'd love to help with the effort. Definitely".

A clearer picture was beginning to emerge but it seems not all head offices are deemed to rule with an iron fist:
Linda Finlay, head honcho at Burger King was delighted to speak to us, proudly proclaiming her dedication to the cause.

"We always add red balloons and flags coming up to matches. We usually don't get around to it until the weekend of the match itself and balloons can't stay up over night but the colour adds a bit of atmosphere, not only for customers but for staff as well."

Calling the eerie land of corporate banking we didn't expect much reaction but Trish at Permanent TSB was delighted we called and was concerned that Pana had yet to butter up for the big match. Branch manager, Aeneas Lane passed on a message telling us that he would be ensuring that the bank would be decked out in Cork colours both "in-store and in our windows".

Cork man John McCarthy, assistant store manager at Debenham's was energetic about getting his store's window display back on track. "We used to have one every year when we were Roches but we should definitely have something up by Monday or Tuesday".

Last on our list, the might of giant UK retailer Marks and Spencer. Acting store manager Lisa Bennett was very enthusiastic saying she intends to dress up their Patrick Street window as soon as she gets approval from head office.

So all is not lost, a bit of provocation is hopefully all that was needed but Pana's businesses need to get their skates on. We're expecting a bright red sunrise on Patrick Street this weekend and if there isn't you'll know all about it here in on next week's update.

Remember: the Peoples Republic is watching on your behalf.

Comments, suggestions, feedback, etc to editor@peoplesrepublicofcork.com
Every email guaranteed a response.


EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA
We just had a call from Bernie O'Brien, a manager at Help Industries on Vicars Road in Togher. They have 10 metres lengths of red and white bunting for 10 euro.
Give her a shout on (021) 496 43 44