Pictures: Franks ‘shocked’ at being named the Cork Persons of the Year

THE lead singer with the Frank & Walters Band admitted they were “shocked” to be honoured Cork Persons of the Year 2023 at the 31st annual awards at the Metropole Hotel yesterday.

Lead vocalist and bassist Paul Linehan, drummer Ashley Keating, lead guitarist Rory Murphy, and keyboardist Cian Corbett were crowned as the Cork Persons of the Year in recognition of their profound impact on Cork’s cultural tapestry and the arts over their 30-year-plus career.

The band has achieved international success with its classic indie hits charting both inside and outside Ireland, and its Cork anthem ‘After All’ has been voted Cork’s favourite song.

Speaking following the announcement of their win, lead vocalist Paul Linehan said: “We’re just shocked, to be honest with you. I don’t think we even deserve the Person of the Month Award, never mind Person of the Year.

“All the other 11 people, I think every one of them is fantastic and I feel kind of bad winning. Everyone knows they are winners anyway.”

Mr Lenihan also congratulated Cork’s literary luminary Alice Taylor on her induction into the Hall of Fame, and broadcaster Dáithí Ó Sé, who accepted the Honorary Cork Person Award.

Awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan commended the band on the win, saying: “Their win reflects not only their musical prowess but also their unwavering dedication to Cork’s artistic scene.

“The Frank & Walters band has played a pivotal role in making Cork the cultural hub that it is today.”

Best-selling Cork author Alice Taylor, renowned for her book To School Through the Fields, which became the best-selling Irish-published book, was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

“Alice Taylor joins an esteemed group of past Hall of Fame inductees, each leaving an indelible mark on Cork’s history and culture,” said organiser Mr O’Callaghan.

Speaking about Ms Taylor’s contribution to Irish literature, awards partner and organiser Ann-Marie O’Sullivan said: “Taylor’s prolific contribution to Irish literature with over 20 authored books, is a testament to the enduring impact she has had on shaping the literary landscape of Cork and beyond.

“This celebration reinforces the importance of recognising individuals whose artistic endeavours leave an indelible mark on our cultural heritage.”

Finance Minister Michael McGrath acknowledged Ms Taylor’s decades of prolific writing, adding that she has left an imprint on our history and culture.

“To School Through the Fields, I heard so much about it from my own late father walking miles to school to Bantry every day in West Cork, and you brought it to life and captured it and it’s there forever and in all the other work that you have done, and to see that recognition is really wonderful,” said Mr McGrath.

The Honorary Cork Person Award was presented to broadcaster Dáithí Ó Sé, who has presented the Today TV programme from the RTÉ Cork studios for many years.

Congratulating the Kerry man on becoming an honourary Corkman, Mr McGrath said: “What you and Maura and the team do on the Today show really is the anchor of the output from RTÉ Cork.

“It is great to hear Kevin [Bakhurst] giving the commitment about the future commitment to Cork and the region generally.”

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork, and the Mayor of County Cork Frank O’Flynn, presented the awards on the day, and masters of ceremonies were broadcasters Anne Cassin and Marty Morrissey.

Speakers at the awards lunch were Finance Minister Mr McGrath; Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Simon Coveney; broadcaster Mike Murphy; RTÉ director general Mr Bakhurst; Bishop Paul Colton; Bishop Fintan Gavin; Mr O’Callaghan, and Ann-Marie O’Sullivan.