COMMUNITY STALWARTS TAKE TOP HONOURS AT MAYOR’S AWARDS
A number of locals across the region were honoured on Tuesday evening at the 2023 County Mayor’s Community Awards, the annual event which celebrates the outstanding contributions made by people across Cork.
Tom O’Flynn of T.O. Park, Knockadea and Bartlemy’s John Arnold were proud recipients of top honours in the North Cork area on the night. Two men who are stalwarts of their respective communities, they were congratulated for their work in ‘ strengthening’ their communities.
Speaking with The Avondhu, Tom O’Flynn said he was ‘delighted’ with the award and to be present on the evening. One of the most renowned men in the Mitchelstown area and the brain behind T.O. Park, it was a clear surprise as he wasn’t aware that it was an awards night!
“I’m delighted - we’d a great night. I thought it was a community meeting I was going to actually - I didn’t realise it was a big gala dinner! It was a big surprise, and wonderful. It was a lovely atmosphere, and we’d a great evening - it was lovely, it was great!”
Tom, known locally as T.O., gives his full time and commitment to people of all ages and creeds, organising trips and events both locally and abroad. His annual ‘Rocking the Costa’ trip is a huge favourite and well renowned, and many a happy night has been spent dancing at ‘the Park’.
A BIT MORE THAN ‘NICE FINGER FOOD’
Bartlemy’s John Arnold said that he was ‘more shocked than anybody else’ to receive his award, stating that it was a ‘lovely occasion’.
“I thought I’d just be going up to Cork and getting some nice finger food and coming home early! That was the extent of my expectations going up there. It was nice to have a couple of people, Gerard Lane and Michael Carey of the hurling club with Bride Rovers and my wife there too,” he said.
Involved in rural and community affairs for well over 40 years, Mr Arnold has led campaigns against the closure of rural post offices and regularly writes on the traditions of rural Ireland in his weekly column of the Evening Echo, contributing to TheAvondhu regularly also. Nominated by Cllr William O’Leary, who is a fellow community member in the Rathcormac and Bartlemy area, Mr Arnold said he couldn’t pinpoint why exactly he had received the award.
“It was a lovely honour. Someone said to me ‘What did you get that award last night for?’ I said ‘I don’t know!’. I suppose it wasn’t for any one particular item, just that I have been involved in so many different things for a long time.
“My father died when I was only four and my mother had five small children, and yet I was always stunned that it didn’t stop her from getting involved. Even though she had five small children, she was chairman of the local guild of Muintir na Tire in Bartlemy and different things. That was a good example. She was a person who didn’t have time to give to the community, and yet she did. When she was able to do it.
“I had no ‘eureka moment’ saying ‘when I grow up I’ll get involved’, I just did it. I got involved in the GAA first and then I got involved in Macra and the local hall committee and certain things over the years. It’s an old adage if you or a community association want something done and done immediately, you always ask a busy person. Busy people are able to make more time,” Mr Arnold added.
RECOGNITION FOR GLANWORTH ACTIVE
Among the groups nominated for the prestigious annual event, was Glanworth Active Retirement, which has been in existence since 2007 and is the first group formed in the village to cater for the old generation.
Catherine Williams, treasurer of the group, said there are currently over 20 members involved who meet fortnightly in the community centre and arrange regular outings and trips, while also hosting guests for presentations and talks.
“We didn’t expect a nomination at all. It was a lovely night and very enjoyable. It’s important because things like this keep groups going and involved. Some of our group are elderly or living on their own and it’s good for them to get out and about and stay involved too,” Catherine said.
The Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Danny Collins said the night was one of the highlights of his 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.”
FERMOY BANDS HONOURED
Other groups nominated in the north Cork region included the Fermoy Concert Band, and John Fant of the Thomas Kent Pipe Band. The 80-member strong Fermoy Concert Band are this year celebrating their centenary, while John Fant is the proud chairman of the Thomas Kent Pipe Band since its formation in 1959, a group that are known right throughout the county and beyond.
Bandmate Noreen Doody, said that Mr Fant’s nomination was a wonderful accolade.
“We had a great night, and fair dues to Cork County Council for a fantastic evening. We’re delighted to see John acknowledged after his years of dedication and service, and we’d like to thank Cllr Noel McCarthy for nominating him,” she told The Avondhu.
AWARDS FOR MIDLETON GROUPS
In the South Cork category, both the Midleton Hub and the town’s Men’s Shed were nominated too. The Men’s Shed are a popular and inclusive group, involved in many ways in the community including selling crafts at Midleton market, taking part in the Midleton music festival, and regular walks like a recent 4.5 mile trek in East Ferry. The Hub, meanwhile, is a mental health service that provides community and peer supports for people’s wellbeing and mental health, particularly for those dealing with suicide bereavement.
Nine awards were presented on the night, five to individuals and another four to groups. Furthermore, the overall individual winner was named as Barry Cogan from Carrigaline, and the overall Community Group Award was taken by Banteer Community Sportsfield CLG.
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