Deputy Chief of Mission, Robert Faucher Visits Cork
The concert choir of the University of Alabama - Birmingham came to Cork on May 3rd to compete for the Fleischman International Trophy in the annual Choral Festival, and the U.S. Embassy was there to lend its support. Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Faucher made his first trip to Cork to take in the festival, and to meet with key figures in politics, religion, business and education over the course of May Bank Holiday weekend.

The visit began Friday with a tour of the Pfizer plant at Ringaskiddy and a meeting with area business leaders sponsored by the American Chamber of Commerce. The tour came coincidentally as Pfizer was making a major announcement regarding an expansion of its operation there. The DCM's agenda also included the Irish Examiner, where news editor John O Mahony gave the DCM a tour of their new offices and a quick meeting with editor Tim Vaughan.

DCM, Robert Faucher (far right) with Dr. Aodh Quinlivan, Department of Government  at UCC (far right); and two winners of their annual awards for scholarship.

That afternoon, Mr. Faucher delivered the Philip Monahan Lecture at the UCC School of Government. The annual event, during which students are honored for their achievements, has drawn guest lecturers including Nobel winner John Hume and President Mary McAleese. The DCM's lecture focused on the policy challenges that will be facing the next president of the United States, and included audience questions about American policy and, of course, the closely watched American presidential primaries.

Saturday saw the DCM visit Cork's historic City Hall, where Lord Mayor Donal Counihan graciously gave a tour of his office and the building, including its new expansion. He also briefed Mr. Faucher on plans for Cork's 25 billion Euro redevelopment. Mr. Faucher was also fortunate to meet with Cork Bishop, John Buckley, and Brian Crowley, long-serving Member of the European Parliament to talk over issues including US/EU relations and the upcoming vote on the Lisbon Treaty.

The International Choral Festival took center stage Saturday night, with hundreds returning to City Hall for the evening performances. The UAB choir was one of six taking part in the Fleischman International Trophy competition.

Sunday saw the DCM visiting Cobh, and its Heritage Center. The Heritage Center museum is located at the quay where so many Irish emigrants boarded ships for America in the 18th and 19th centuries, and is dedicated to preserving that part of Ireland's history. That day was also focused very much on Cobh's modern maritime history, as the world's largest cruise ship, the Independence of the Seas, had pulled in the day before, at that very same quay, for a port call. The ship towered over the town, and proved quite a draw.

The trip was a great opportunity for DCM Faucher and the U.S. Mission to meet with the great people of Cork, and to build friendships for future collaboration.