11 Awards were made on the night over 36 nominations. An incredible variety of community groups and individuals from across Cork County attended the evening’s celebration.
Mayor McGrath awarded the following nominees within each Division.
North Group Mitchelstown Community Council
North Group Coolagown Development Group
North Individual Denis Withers
South Group Ballycotton Development Company
South Group Carrigaline Community First Response Team
South Individual Ursula Ennis
West Group Leap Scarecrow Festival
West Group Cancer Connect
West Individual Robert Wilmot
Robert Wilmot received the Overall Individual Award. Bandon man Robert is a member, and founder of many, voluntary organisations. Robert’s contribution to these clubs supports an important social outlet for many people, particularly those to live alone.
The Overall Community and Voluntary Group Award was made to Cancer Connect. Nominated by Councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy, Cancer Connect offer a free and flexible transport service to Cork hospitals from West Cork for people receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy and related treatments. Cancer connect have recorded 18,600 journeys and have over 250 volunteers registered. They are also planning on extending their services to include a North Cork route.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Séamus McGrath commented ‘An amazing 36 community groups and individuals were nominated, chosen for the superb contributions and improvements made to communities across Cork County. That is a magnificent indictment of the culture that we have in our County and one which I am delighted to be in a position to recognise, and celebrate, at the Mayors Awards’.
The Mayor went on to say ‘I would like to see even more nominations for the Mayors Awards next year. I would like to see the ethos of volunteerism go forward and spread, to benefit each other and for the benefits to ourselves. Any litter that is picked, any time donated, any thought shared, all making our communities stronger and creating great places to live happily. And where someone takes that first step, another will follow. That is where we will find strength in our communities.’
Images from the night are available on the Council's Facebook page.