Queen Elizabeth II concludes the royal visit to Ireland with a final engagement in Cork.
More than 30,000 people lined the streets in Cork to welcome the royal visitors. On arrival at the English Market, Queen Elizabeth II was greeted with a traditional performance by a 70 strong group of bodhrán players from St Joseph’s National School in Cork city. Market traders proudly showcased locally produced food as the Queen took time to speak with them individually.
Fishmonger Pat O’Connell told the Queen he was nervous about meeting her, adding the last time he felt such nerves was on his wedding day 30 years earlier. Baker Sheila Fitzpatrick said she was overwhelmed by the meeting, describing the Queen as gracious, warm and genuinely interested. During the visit, the Queen unveiled a commemorative plaque at the English Market and was presented with a Cork silver brooch by the Lord Mayor, Michael O’Connell.
The Queen was later offered a glimpse of Ireland’s future during a visit to the Tyndall National Institute, a world leader in research and innovation. She met members of business, political and community groups, and also spent time with the Benhaffaf twins, Hassan and Hussein, and their mother Angie. She told the Queen that the twins had been born and separated in London.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 May 2011. The reporter is Paschal Sheehy.
