Six Cork citizens drawn from a variety of fields of endeavour were last night honoured for their contributions to the life and wellbeing of the city when they were presented with the lord mayor's civic awards, writes Barry Roche, Southern Correspondent
Lord Mayor Cllr Michael Ahern paid tribute to the six award-winners at a ceremony at Cork City Hall at which he noted that their tireless work and unselfish attitudes were both humbling and inspirational.
Among those honoured was Cork GAA county board secretary Frank Murphy, who was praised for his work both as a referee and as an administrator of Gaelic games, which he has helped to promote throughout Cork city and county for over 30 years.
Property developer Michael O'Flynn, of O'Flynn Construction, who is currently building Cork's tallest building at the Elysian Tower, was honoured for his support of sporting clubs, the arts and charities such as the Children's Medical and Research Foundation in Crumlin.
Also honoured was soprano Cara O'Sullivan, whose wide-ranging repertoire includes Mozart, Verdi, Donizetti, Puccini, Mahler and Beethoven and who has performed at some of the world's most famous venues, including the Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
Ballyvolane-based curate Father James McSweeney, from Millstreet, was honoured for his innovative approach to community projects in Ballyvolane, and earlier in Ballinlough, which has seen him raise over €30,000 for Cork and foreign charities.
Garda Trish O'Riordan, who is based at Anglesea Street, was honoured by Cllr Ahern for her work in promoting interculturalism in Cork where, as ethnic liaison officer, she works with immigrants, asylum-seekers and refugees.
Also honoured last night was intensive-care nurse and marathon runner Bernice Glavin, from Wilton, whose courageous battle against breast cancer and her candid account of her struggle with the illness has been praised for the inspiration and encouragement it has given to others.