The Irish Times

City manager Joe Gavin won't let himself be distracted by the details of Cork's year as European Capital of Culture. Instead, he is getting on with the transformation of the city. A truculent observation at a meeting of Where's Me Culture? - a group set up by those feeling marginalised by the programme for Cork's year as European Capital of Culture - insisted there was no need for anyone to apologise for criticising the 2005 organisation: "After all, bitching is part of our culture too."It is not part of the professional character of city manager Joe Gavin, however. The private company he established to run the year is befogged by rumour but, despite being a diligent member of the board of directors, he maintains an innocent disregard that could be considered lofty if it were not so rooted and confident. The bitching doesn't bother him.