A year of events will mark eight centuries of Cork at a difficult time for many people in the city.
Cork was granted a charter by Prince John in 1185, although it had already been in existence for centuries, going back to when St Finbarr founded a monastic settlement on the banks of the River Lee.
President Patrick Hillery and his wife Maeve arrived this morning and the president inspects a Guard of Honour while the Band of the Southern Command perform.
The ceremony is held outside Cork City Hall in the presence of members of Cork Corporation, various dignitaries and the public.
In his speech, Lord Mayor of Cork Alderman Liam Burke acknowledged the difficult economic circumstances that the city is currently facing and urged its young people to
Have hope and show generosity to the city.
President Patrick Hillery unveils a memorial sculpted by Cork stone cutter Ken Thompson to serve as a permanent reminder of the city's proud history.
Eight hundred balloons were released, but not everyone was in celebratory mood, as a group of protestors bearing placards to highlight the issue of unemployment in Cork are also present.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 1 January 1985. The reporter is Tom MacSweeney.
