The designation of Cork as European Culture Capital 2005 will put the city on the world map, according to the director of Cork 2005. Soccer teams such as Real Madrid, Liverpool and Genoa could play in the city in 2005, if plans for a Capital of Culture Cup come to fruition.
A pre-season invitational soccer tournament with teams from previous capitals or cities of culture is on the cards, according to Mr John Kennedy, who said a trophy would be commissioned for the event which would have a place in future culture capital programmes abroad. Cork City FC was fully behind the idea, and talks were going on with the FAI.
"It would be great if we could get UEFA to come on board and recognise the tournament, which would be played on Cork pitches," Mr Kennedy said.
Yesterday marked the halfway mark for the programme process, which the director described as a once-in-a generation opportunity for Ireland.
"Cork now has a unique opportunity to make its mark on the world stage. We are the first European Capital of Culture, becoming the prime focus for EU cultural activity in 2005.
"Everybody is going to want to come to Cork. We've already attracted significant interest from as far away as Japan. This opportunity won't be back to Ireland for maybe another 30 years," he added.
Other projects announced include a major exhibition of rare silver and gold of Cork city and county.
Plans are also under way for a knitted map of Cork, based on satellite images of the city. The project will see 50 people knitting at a time, with more than 5,000 expected to be involved.