IT'S impossible to miss the bright orange flags flying high in Cork, proudly proclaiming the city to be European Capital of Culture. There is also much city pride on display in the souvenir shops which make capital out of Cork's Liverpool-Manchester-style rivalry with Dublin: "The People's Republic of Cork" is emblazoned on all manner of merchandise. But the word on the streets seems to suggest the city needs a comeback of Liverpool FC in a European final proportions if its big year is to be declared a success. Such has been the concern at the style and substance of Cork's celebrations one grass-roots group felt compelled to spring into action. Its name? "Where's Me Culture?" "It was felt that the year had kind of crept up on people and that little information was coming out -and what there was was not very inspiring," says group member Dave MacArdle. "The Cork 2005 logo includes a picture of a firework, but we were worried it was going to turn into a damp squib. So we thought instead of being cynical we'd try and harness various groups in the city." The people, he says, have responded: "Our website has had a million and a quarter hits since it was launched in December and has 50,000 active users. "And the official Cork 2005 company (whose brief is to programme and manage events during the year) has welcomed us. We're not the anti-brigade. We are trying to help create something positive." But he adds: "I see Cork as having missed an opportunity, because I don't think it was really ready for Capital of Culture." Seanin Graham, a writer on the Cork Evening Echo, agrees: "There seems to be a general feeling that a fantastic opportunity has been missed, which is a real pity. I think things will have to change dramatically between now and December for the year to be called a success. "Cork 2005 has claimed to be catering for all tastes but there has been a feeling among Joe Public that the year has been very elitist, with a lot of emphasis on high art. "I think the main lessons to be learned surround communication and the distribution of information to the public - the information centre which opened in May should have been open at the start of 2005." | 
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