Cork Person of Year to be unveiled at event this month

The Cork Person of the Year 2025 will be announced on Friday, January 23, at an event at The Metropole Hotel.

The awards scheme, which is now in its 33rd year, honours individuals and groups who have made exceptional contributions to Cork, Ireland, and beyond.

The winner or winners will be selected from the 2025 recipients of Cork Person of the Month awards by Valerie O’Sullivan, Cork City Council chief executive, and Moira Murrell, Cork County Council chief executive.

The winner or winners will be announced by the Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, and the Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Ian Doyle.

EU commissioner Michael McGrath will be guest of honour.

Broadcasters Miriam O’Callaghan and Marty Morrissey will serve as masters of ceremonies, and RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst will also speak at the event.

With 2026 marking the 100th anniversary of radio in Ireland, the Honorary Cork Person award will go to broadcaster and former Liveline host Joe Duffy.

The event will also see one extraordinary figure inducted into the Cork Person of the Year Hall of Fame.

Cork Person of the Month winners for 2025 were:

Sheena Crowley, of Crowley’s Music Centre, for her successful campaign to keep Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster in Ireland.

Joe Byrne, for his four decades of selfless community work while running Joseph’s Hair Salon.

Tom Butler, for his work with Ballincollig Tidy Towns for more than 25 years.

Professor Gary Murphy, for his work studying modern Irish politics.

Patrick Coughlan, for his role in the establishment of Cork MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service).

Michael Kiely, for his remarkable athletic longevity.

Deirdre McCarthy, for her achievement as the first woman to lead RTÉ’s News & Current Affairs division as managing director.

Justine Looney and Edel Curtin, for their work in revitalising Douglas Street.

Garry McCarthy (GMC), for his work as creative director of The Kabin Studio.

Fiona Corcoran, for founding the charity the Greater Chernobyl Cause.

Dr. Geoff Gould, for founding the West Cork Fit-Up Theatre Festival.

Professor Rónán Collins, for his work as a consultant in geriatric and stroke medicine, and clinical lead for the National Clinical Programme for Stroke.

Further details and interviews with award nominees can be found on www.corkpersonoftheyear.ie.