Cork 2005 may have been heralded and celebrated with fireworks but many Corkonians remained rather underwhelmed by the year - at least to judge from a random sample of those attending a Celtic Tenors concert in the Opera House on Saturday night.
Frances O'Brien and her husband Oliver, from Carrigtwohill, admitted they had been to very few events during the year, with Oliver pinpointing as the highlight of the year Cork's winning of the all-Ireland hurling title rather than any Cork 2005 event.
Frances picked out as the highlight the Andrea Bocelli concert in Collins Barracks which was supported by Opera 2005, but she doubted whether Cork's tenure as European Capital of Culture would have any lasting impact on the city.
"It was a beautiful night - it was like a dream. But apart from that, we didn't come into town at all but then that was our choice; there was nothing else that caught our imagination."
Nuala Meade from Bandon had been impressed with both the opening fireworks ceremony and the St Patrick's Day parade but other than those, she reckoned there was little to attract or interest most people.
"I heard on the radio a few weeks ago that it was for all the top nobs of Cork city and I do believe that - I think they probably got a lot of free gigs out of it."
Patricia Gleeson from Youghal said she didn't think the year would leave any major legacy in the city and while she didn't get to many events herself, she particularly enjoyed the Paddy Casey concert.
Hanneke Rottier from Nimegan in Holland came to Cork 12 weeks ago to work for Apple Computers in Hollyhill. She hadn't realised Cork was European Capital of Culture until she arrived but said she found very few cultural events to visit since arriving.
However, one woman who wished to remain anonymous was very positive about the year and said she had enjoyed it greatly and believed it would trigger a new awareness of culture and the arts in Cork.
"Well, I went to a lot more exhibitions than I had been to in previous years and I also came to the Opera House a lot more and I went to any free concerts that were going on, so I thought it was great.
"The highlight for me was Kiri Te Kanawa. I thought she was absolutely fantastic. I think it will leave a legacy - we have sort of started a trend in that we have the Crawford Gallery and the Glucksman and the museum all starting to bring in more exhibitions."
