Thousands of people queued yesterday to sign a book of condolences at the City Hall, Cork, in memory of Mr Jack Lynch. His school, the North Monastery, also opened a book of condolences, in which members of his former hurling club, Glen Rovers, wrote of his contribution to sports. The City Hall opened at 10 a.m. and the first to sign the book was the Lord Mayor, Mr Damien Wallace, who wrote: "Your immense contribution to Cork and Ireland will always be remembered. You will be sadly missed by all Cork people."
The Guinness Jazz Festival this weekend was to have had a gala opening with street entertainment tonight, but this has been postponed as a mark of respect. A fire works display was also cancelled. The formal opening at the Everyman Theatre tomorrow night will be preceded by a minute's silence.
Mr Lynch's body will arrive at Cork Airport at 6.15 p.m. today and will be brought via the Jack Lynch tunnel and the City Quays to the North Cathedral, near his old home. Thousands of people are expected to line the street as a final tribute.