Sporting and community groups from across Cork honoured at civic reception  

Mayor of the County of Cork Joe Carroll hosted a special civic reception at County Hall to recognise the achievements of sports clubs, community groups, and individuals from Co Cork.

Those honoured at the civic reception were Muintir na Tíre, James Dean, Avondhu GAA Board, Watergrasshill GAA Club, and Transplant Sport Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Mr Carroll paid tribute to the five recipients: “This civic reception is about celebrating excellence, commitment, and the spirit of community.

“The dedication of each group and individual here today inspires us all and makes an important contribution to the sporting life, culture, and safety of Co Cork.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the five honourees and wish them the very best in their bright futures.”

Munitir na Tíre was honoured for its work in crime prevention and making communities safer by setting up the ‘Community Alert’ scheme in Cork in 1984. Munitir na Tíre was formed in response to an increase in rural crime and 40 years later there are 1,400 community alert groups nationwide.

Professional drift driver James Dean, from Castletownroche, was recognised for his achievements in the sport of drifting. 

World record 

He is the only driver in the world to win the World Formula Drift title four times, most recently in 2024. Mr Dean has also won multiple Irish National and European titles. He also set a Guinness World Record in 2014 for the longest tandem drift recorded at 28.52km.

The Avondhu GAA Board celebrated their centenary in December 2024, marking 100 years of the North Cork GAA division.

In January of this year, the Watergrasshill Intermediate hurlers were crowned All-Ireland champions, after beating Galway’s Tynagh-Abbey/Duniry in Croke Park. The victory topped off a phenomenal 12 months, which saw the hurlers secure league, county, and provincial titles.

Transplant Sport Ireland are to compete at the World Transplant Games in Dresden in August of this year. 

Team Ireland won 17 medals at the last summer games in Perth in 2023, including seven gold, six silver, and four bronze medals. The four athletes from Cork on the team returned home with eight medals.