2023 County Mayor’s Community Awards
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,
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,