Outstanding contributions made by individuals and community and voluntary groups across Cork County was showcased at the 10th Annual Mayor’s Community Awards. Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins presented a total of 11 awards on the night with Barry Cogan from South Cork winning the overall Individual award and Banteer Community Sportsfield CLG winning the overall Community Group award.
Mayor Collins warmly commended all nominees on the night for their commitment and dedication to their communities, “this is truly one of the highlights of my Mayoral term. This is a fantastic opportunity for me, for Cork County Council and for the people of Cork to show our appreciation for the hard work and compassion that goes into strengthening our communities and inspiring one another to succeed. It is truly an honour for me to be able to recognise and celebrate your achievements this evening.”
Winner of the Overall Individual Mayor’s Community Award, Barry Cogan is a passionate voluntary community activist, currently involved in over a dozen different community groups, many of them for several decades. His achievements are too numerous to list in full here but include chairman and co-founder of Carrigaline Men’s shed, co-founder of Carraig ag Caint and Croabh Conradh na Gaeilge, and founder of Aifreann Gaelach, a monthly Irish mass celebrated in Carrigaline on the 2nd Sunday of every month. A former Cork County Councillor, Teachta Dála, and member of Seanad Éireann, Barry’s vision and innovation continues to be of tremendous benefit to the Carrigaline Community.
Banteer Community Sportsfield CLG were winners of the Mayor’s Community Overall Group Award. Opened in January 2023 by Minister Heather Humphries, TD, Banteer Community Sportsfield was the culmination of 7 years of hard work from its concept in 2016. The project was delivered with the support of the Rural Regeneration Fund, IRD Duhallow, LEADER programme funding, Sports Capital Funds and Cork County Council, as well as trojan local fundraising efforts. The new regulation sized AstroTurf pitch and community building also includes changing rooms, toilets, facilities for persons with disabilities, spectator stand, museum, digital hub and café, and is a fabulous amenity for the community.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Tim Lucey added, “Cork County Council’s mission to improve quality of life and of environment, to preserve and promote local amenities and treasure heritage, all qualities which are greatly advantaged by the incredible work done at a community level throughout the county. It’s no exaggeration to say that many of the great things about towns and villages in the county are thanks to the work of the nominees and groups and individuals like them. These awards are well earned recognition for the incredible community work that takes place all year round in Cork.”
Source: Cork County Council
