The Cork Business Association held its 65th Annual General Meeting this week at the
Metropole Hotel Cork. The event marked the election of Mr Kevin Herlihy of the
Herlihy Centra Group as their new President. Kevin’s term will last until February
2024.
Kevin is taking over the reins from Eoin O’Sullivan, who had a hugely successful two year
term as President in what was a challenging time for business in Cork due to the pandemic.
He will continue to play an active role with the Cork Business Association and will support
Kevin in his new role.
Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Herlihy highlighted the opportunities for economic
development in the city after the pandemic.
“I am delighted and honoured to accept the opportunity to be President of the Cork Business
Association. One of my priorities as President will be to grow the membership of the CBA as
I firmly believe that our strength is in our numbers.
“I think we need to realise the economic opportunities being presented to Cork. The events
centre project is finally progressing as is the flood defence project, The redevelopment of
Bishop Lucy Park, The Queens Old Castle, North Main Street to name a few.
“I would like to see the building of homes in the city accelerate as it is so badly needed,
especially in the docklands area and areas close to the city centre so that people will be able
to live close to the city and commute accordingly on public transport or bike as we move
towards a petrol and diesel free world.
“Through previous presidents, we have built relationships with key stakeholders in the city
such as Cork City Council, The Gardai, Tourism bodies such as Failte Ireland, Retail
Forums and infrastructure bodies to name but a few. My aim will be to keep and indeed
harness these relationships further.
Kevin’s and his brother Brian own seven Centra Stores in Cork City and County.

“The business was started by my late Father Pat back in 1980 with one store and we have
grown the business over the following years. It has been very beneficial to have been part of
this organisation over the years and I would like to remind business owners in Cork that we
are here for you and that our door is always open be it a small problem or a big one.
“We will continue to work with all the key stakeholders in our city and make it a place people
want to work, visit and live in. We all need to work together to have one strong voice and this
is the voice of business in cork city”.
Kevin concluded by saying, “I would like to thank Eoin O Sullivan for his amazing
commitment to the Cork Business Association and indeed Cork. He has been a highly
committed and dynamic president and has delivered a considerable amount for the
association in what was a very trying time. Eoin is leaving me with a much stronger more
cohesive organisation and I thank him most sincerely for that. I look forward to working

closely with our Business and Communications Manager, Helen Murphy and with our
executive members who represent all business sectors in Cork.”
Commenting on the appointment, Helen Murphy, Business and Communications Manager of
Cork Business Association, said,
“I would like to congratulate Kevin on his election as our new President and I look forward
to working with him during his term as CBA President. Kevin is a proven entrepreneur, with
a strong track record in growing the Herlihy Centra Group. Under his guidance and
direction, CBA will continue to grow and build strong relationships with and on behalf of its
members, and so help to foster the vibrant city centre eco-system that is beginning to develop
as we cautiously exit the most serious effects of the pandemic”.

The Cork Business Association is a not for profit organisation that represents the interests of
businesses in Cork. They are the voice of businesses in Cork and are dedicated to promoting
their interests at local and national level and Cork City as the premier commercial and tourist
destination in the southern region of Ireland.