Historian and former teacher named as Cork Person of the Month 

A local historian has been honoured as 'Cork Person of the Month' for September.

Ballincollig man, Dermot Lucey, has been named as this month’s awardee in recognition of the lasting impact of his work as a dedicated historian and educator.

Mr Lucey is the secretary of the Muskerry Local History Society and editor of its bi-annual local history journal, Times Past, and played a pivotal role in the preservation and development of the Gunpowder Mills, contributing to the creation of the Regional Park in Ballincollig.

His journey began in the early 1980s when, while teaching at Ballincollig Community School, he spearheaded the establishment of the Local History Society.

Awards organiser Manus O'Callaghan said: "Recognising Dermot Lucey as the Cork Person of the Month for September is a testament to his outstanding dedication and contributions to the preservation and dissemination of local history.

"Dermot's passion for history has left an indelible mark on our community, inspiring countless students and residents alike."

Throughout his career, Mr Lucey has also authored several market-leading history textbooks, including Making History, Modern Europe and the Wider World, and The Past Today, as well as contributing to the History of Cork series in the Examiner during the Cork 800 celebrations in 1985.

Former Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Kieran McCarthy said: "Enormous work was pursued in the late 1980s and early 1990s by history teacher Dermot Lucey of Ballincollig Community School, who encouraged his students to document the changing village of Ballincollig in the twentieth century.

“That work culminated in a number of annual historical journals that shine a light on people, events, and transformations within Ballincollig over the century."

Mr Lucey’s name will now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the annual Gala Awards Lunch in January.