Cork Community Garda honoured with award

A community garda in Crosshaven is the latest winner of the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards.

Stephen Cleary, who lives in Crosshaven with his wife and three children, has been acknowledged for his involvement in local groups and fundraising organisations.

The Community Spirit Awards, presented by Cork International Hotel, recognise an outstanding contribution or special achievement made to the community by a group or individual.

A prominent member of the Crosshaven community, Stephen can often be seen stewarding at events in and around the town, putting up Christmas lights, and volunteering at Templebreedy Save our Steeple, a local group set up to conserve St Matthew’s Church and graveyard in an eco-friendly manner.

He is also a leader in the 1st Crosshaven Sea Scouts.

In 2020, Stephen led a team of Cork gardaí who completed a nationwide campaign to run 280km across two weeks in aid of the Special Olympics.

The awards aim to celebrate and recognise the remarkable people within the community, who selflessly give their time, talent, and dedication to benefit others.

“Congratulations to Stephen on receiving this month’s Community Spirit Award,” Eoghan Murphy, general manager of the Cork International Hotel, said.

“Stephen’s dedication, kindness, and tireless efforts to the people he serves are truly inspiring.

“The award is a testament to the positive impact that he has made in the community. We wish Stephen every continued success in his role.”

The judging panel for the Community Spirit Awards is made up of a mixture of representatives from the public and private sector within the community.

Anyone can nominate a volunteer or group located in Cork city or the southside of Cork county.

The only requirement is that they give their time voluntarily and do so without financial reward.