South East ramps up Culture bid
By Niamh Drohan
THE South East has stepped up its’ efforts to secure the coveted European Capital of Culture bid for 2015 with the addition of another high-profile ambassador.
Kilkenny’s legendary hurling mastermind Brian Cody is the latest big-name addition to a stellar line-up of ambassadors adding their seal of approval to ‘The Three Sisters 2020’ bid.
He joins Kilmacthomas native Vince Power, who was announced last week, with the duo joining Wexford author Eoin Colfer to champion the South East’s challenge.
Mr Power, who is credited with revitalising top UK music festivals such as the Reading/Leeds festival and cult Spanish music festival Benicassim, also added that the combined submission had “a lot to offer.”
“I’m delighted to be supporting this bid, I came on board because I’m a Waterford man and I’d love to see us win. Waterford is a beautiful historic city that I think is underrated.”
Mr Cody added,
“This region stands out for me as the South East has always been a gateway to Europe even back to when the Vikings landed in Waterford and the Normans in Wexford and the huge European influence as a result of these arrivals can be seen right throughout the very fabric of the whole region.
He said that the bid would be “mutually beneficial” for the entire South East.”
Artemis Fowl author Eoin Colfer also voiced his support in recent weeks and said that “many, many locations” in the South East region had been ‘inspiring’ to him as an author over the years.
Colfer also added that the region possessed “the scenery, the history, the cuisine the friendly people and the culture” to be successful in its’ bids.
The ‘Three Sister’s 2020’, which lists Waterford City as the capital and focal point of the bid, is the first of its’ kind in the event’s 30-year history.
Their challenge will face strong competition from Limerick City, whose committee has also announced its’ intention to throw its’ name in the hat for 2020.
Winners will be chosen by ministers from the EU member states and organised by the European Commission.
For 2020, Cities from two countries in Ireland and Croatia, will be chosen, with their proposals assessed by an international panel of cultural experts, according to criteria laid down by the EU.
