29/09/2026
We had a great evening last Friday when we officially launched our new coffee container… “Mr. Cotton @ Café Chico”
As people were coming and going, by the time I made a speech a few of the key individuals had left, so I would like to reiterate a few of my sentiments now.
The occasion was to mark the fact that it was the first time we were opening a unit that didn’t have wheels on it….
But also, it is the 20th Anniversary of Mr. Cotton!!
It was great to celebrate this with my parents, Derry & Claire, who were looking so fit and well. They have always been very encouraging in everything I’ve done.
Three of my four siblings were there (unfortunately, Orla couldn’t make it due to illness) and other family members from each of the generations. Kieran, Miriam, Orla & Shane have all helped me in the business in various guises, which I am most thankful.
It was like a snapshot of my life with family and friends, staff and customers…. my children mixing with their cousins and with the kids of my own friends. Zoe, Danny & Charlie all work at Café Chico and the friendships they have formed with the other staff members is lovely to see and I really appreciate all the wonderful staff we have at Mr. Cotton.
There are few people I’d like to mention by name:
Stephen Scully from the Parks Division of Cork City Council made an appearance which I was absolutely delighted with. He is such a breath of fresh air to deal with and very supportive and proactive in getting this project over the line. Everyone working with Stephen in the City Hall have been most helpful, as have Jack Casey and the Ballincollig Regional Park Rangers (Kieran, Leo & Niall (aka Bob)).
The number one guest of the evening, Margaret Long, made an extra effort to make the celebration, as she cancelled a prior engagement to be there. I was honoured to have her there, as she is the star of the show. In the 20 years in business, I have made some good decisions and many questionable ones, but Café Chico was certainly one of the best. I am most thankful to Margaret for picking up the phone and calling me a little over 2 years ago, to see would I like to get involved with her at Café Chico. I only have admiration for Margaret and the business she built. They are big shoes to step into and even if I can half fill them, I’ll be doing alright.
Finally, the occasion wouldn’t have been complete without, Fiona, “my long-suffering wife”. There have been many ups-and-downs over of the last 20 years…. in the business… as I had to clarify on the evening 😉. She started dating an IT Manager and somehow ended up married to a Barista. She has always had my back, supported my decisions and was a driving force behind the scenes. This along with the small matter of forging her own career, raising the kids and maintaining a home. No longer behind the scenes, Fiona is now very much at the heartbeat of the business since joining Mr. Cotton in January; and to be honest, we are both quite surprised at how well we work together. Onwards and upwards, mo ghrá.
Also, thanks on the night to…..
Carlos Paz for the fantastic music, Adam Garvey for the stunning photography, and the gorgeous food by Hannah’s Kitchen
Regional Park Ballincollig
Cork City Parks Sport and Recreation
Cork City Council
Mr Cotton
Margaret Long
Carlos Paz
