Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn Hosts Civic Reception to Honour Groups and Individuals From Across the County

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn hosts civic reception to honour groups and individuals from across the county. Pictured is the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O'Flynn with the recipients of the awards.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn welcomed groups and individuals to a special civic reception at Cork County Hall to celebrate their sporting prowess, their contribution to society and the communities they represent. 

A civic reception is the highest honour the Mayor of the County can give and was bestowed upon 11 teams, community groups and individuals from across the county. 

• Cork Camogie Team
• Stephen O’Leary 
• Jake O’Brien 
• Mark O’ Mahony 
• East Cork GAA Board 
• Doneraile, Buttevant and Mallow First Responders 
• Fermoy Musical Society 
• ICA Cork Federation
• O’ Donovan Rossa 
• Conor Shanahan 
• Fermoy Concert Band

Speaking at the reception, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn paid the following tribute,

This reception is about celebrating many achievements, from longstanding pillars that have shaped our communities for a century, to the vibrant new individuals weaving our future.  Each recipient, each endeavour fuels the inspiration that propels our county forward.  Congratulations to all, may your accomplishments continue to inspire us.

Stars of Cork GAA, international football and motorsport were strongly represented at the Civic Reception.  Cork Camogie Team were honoured for winning the Senior All Ireland title last year beating Waterford. O’Donovan Rossa Ladies Team, winners of the Munster Club Final and Junior Ladies Team who won the county junior championship were also recognised, as were East Cork GAA Board which is celebrating its centenary anniversary this year.

There were honours for footballers Mark O’Mahony, Jake O’Brien and Stephen O’Leary. Carrigaline native Mark O’Mahony started his career with Carrigaline United and Cork City and recently signed for the English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion F.C.   Jake O’Brien from Youghal has appeared 11 times for the Republic of Ireland and has signed for Crystal palace.   Stephen O’Leary, a Fermoy native, captained the Ireland Football team to win the Gold Medal at the Berlin Special Olympics Summer Games.  Also recognised was Conor Shanahan who won the 2023 Drift Masters European Championship putting Ireland on the British and European Stage. 

Community and music organisations were also recognised. The Doneraile, Buttevant and Mallow First Responders group has been active for 10 years providing lifesaving first-aid to members of the community 24/7. It assists patients suffering from cardiac arrests, heart attacks, strike or choking before the NAS Ambulance arrives. The Irish Countrywomen’s Association Cork was recognised for their role in providing lifelong learning. Fermoy Musical Society is the third oldest musical society in Ireland, it’s renowned for its quality musical productions and is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Fermoy Concert Band also celebrated its centenary anniversary.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council Valerie O’Sullivan added, 

I would like to congratulate all the honourees, each one makes an important contribution to the cultural, sporting life or safety of our communities. Sporting events don’t just happen, they take countless hours of training and dedication. They also need the support of their backroom teams, their families and wider communities. The same can be said for community and music organisations, they rely on volunteers to give up their time to practice and host concerts or in the case of the first responders be willing to answer the call for help any time of day or night.