Cork Monopoly edition launched

The Shandon Bells rang out as the Cork edition of Monopoly was officially launched in spectacular style this morning at the Firkin Crane Theatre. This is the first time ever that the bells have rung out at such an early time and giant props including a large green dice, top hats, large money and property cards were in place for the official launch.

Earlier in the year when news that a board would be produced was announced, the Cork public was invited to vote on which regional landmarks should be selected.

The board also goes on shop shelves today and the board's creator, Dan Taylor, was there  to open the very first game to roll off the presses and roll the giant green dice. He wore the trademark Monopoly top hat and revealed the 22 Cork property landmarks that the public voted for earlier this year. Well known landmarks that are on the board include Fota Wildlife Park, Blarney Castle, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, Shandon Bells and Mizen Head.

"It's been a wonderful five months consulting with the public and the public got really involved and sent in thousands of votes. We would like to formally thank the Cork public for its' wonderful input. Without the support this board could not have been produced," said Dan Taylor.

"There are also other customized twists too including tweaked Community Chests and Chance cards with a decidedly Cork flavour and feel. One pays you fifty Monopoly dollars for getting a hole in one at a famous Cork golf course and another fines you for dropping litter."

"We have had advance inquiries from Cork ex-pats living and working overseas from as far as Australia, New Zealand, US and China."

The Cork edition of Monopoly arrived earlier this week under lock and key at Cork Airport on a Aer Lingus flight from the UK and was kept under wraps until this morning. The new Monopoly:Cork Edition is available in all good toy and book stores as well as exclusively online and stores stocking it include Easons, Smyths and Waterstones.