The Rebel Rising – Dublin Takeover: Cork Rebels Invade Dublin to Paint the Town Red

04 September 2013

Not content with claims to be the ‘Real Capital', an army of rebellious Corkonians showed their true colours by embarking on a ‘Rebel Rising - Dublin Takeover' on Tuesday 3rd September.

In anticipation for the upcoming Cork Rebel Week, which takes place from October 14th - 20th, the Cork Rebel Patrol Squad hit the streets to paint the town red (and white of course), and spread the word about what is set to be one of Ireland's flagship Gathering events.

The public looked on as the Patrol Squad, dressed in red and white camouflage uniforms got down to business, draping Cork flags over a number of bridges on the River Liffey, and on iconic statues like Phil Lynott and Molly Malone, before making their way to Moore Street to see if they could make their way on to the set of Brendan O'Carroll's "Mrs. Brown's Boys", which was being filmed on the famous Dublin street.

Cork's beloved singer/ songwriter, John Spillane, who became the first Corkonian to be presented with an official Rebel Passport earlier this year, joined the rebellion and turned quite a few heads as he busked on Grafton Street, proudly sporting ‘Rebels Abú' on his t-shirt; and joining some Moore Street traders for an impromptu sing song!

The ‘invasion' then moved to Louis Copeland's famous retail outlet on Capel Street, where the master tailor was measured up for his very own Cork jersey ahead of this weekend's big match. A special Cork city sightseeing, open-top tour bus later brought the Rebel Patrol Squad to famous Dublin landmarks including the GPO and Croke Park.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Catherine Clancy, and Cork County Mayor, Cllr. Noel O'Connor teamed up for an ‘invasion' of the Mansion House, where they were welcomed by Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr. Henry Upton.

Cork hero and world champion race walker, Robert Heffernan joined in the fun, and embarked on another "testing" walk, as he made the journey, as a proud Corkonian joined by fellow Cork men and women, from Grafton Street to the Dublin Docklands for a very special VIP reception, where he presented the Cork Rebel Week 2013 Event Guide to Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food, Simon Coveney.

The ‘Rebel Rising - Dublin Takeover' culminated with this VIP reception at the Dublin Docklands aboard battleship, the LÉ EMER, on her final mission before being decommissioned. Cork checkpoints and passport patrols granted access to the Irish Naval Service's oldest vessel, ensuring only true Corkonians joined this important mission.

Aboard the LÉ EMER, the programme of events for the hugely anticipated Cork Rebel Week was announced. Details of the seven-day festival, supported by Cork City and County Councils, which celebrates Cork's rich heritage and strong identity, and has been capturing the imagination of Corkonians living locally, nationally and internationally were unveiled to VIP guests.

Details of a massive International Cork Gathering event taking place Saturday 19th October, which includes an open-air concert in the Port of Cork headlined by latest chart sensations, Seo Linn; as well as an international Marching Band Parade starting on Patrick's Hill, were among the exciting events divulged at the VIP reception.

Speaking at the event, Cork Rebel Week organiser, Padraic O'Kane said: "I'm proud to say the ‘Rebel Rising - Dublin Takeover' has been a tremendous success. Our Rebel Patrol Squad infiltrated the capital and successfully spread the word about Ireland's most exciting Gathering event, Cork Rebel Week which takes place from October 14th - 20th. We were delighted that the LÉ EMER's final mission was such an important one!"

Full details on the schedule of events for October 14th - 20th and more information on Cork Rebel Week are available from www.corkrebelweek2013.com.