Cork child welfare officer honoured at community awards
Trina O’Neill, centre, of Kinsale AFC was honoured as the winner of the Public Vote award for her 13 years as part of the club’s committee, including nine as chairperson. Picture: Brian Lougheed
Child welfare officer Helen Noonan has been announced as the overall winner of the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards 2025.
The competition, now in its fifth year, aims to recognise the exceptional efforts of individuals and groups who make a positive impact in their local communities.
Monthly winners are selected throughout the year, with all recipients put forward for the overall award, which was presented at a gala event this week at the Cork International Hotel.
Ms Noonan was recognised for her 30-year contribution to the Cork Women's and Schoolgirls Soccer League (CWSSL), and was honoured for her commitment as a child welfare officer.
While Ms Noonan recently stepped away from her role with the CWSSL, throughout her career she often worked behind the scenes providing constant support to players, clubs and families, while advocating for player welfare, fairness and opportunity for all within the game.
Chairperson of Kinsale AFC, Trina O’Neill was also honoured as the winner of the Public Vote award for her 13 years as part of the club’s committee, including nine as chairperson.
Ms O’Neill was commended for exceptional dedication to the club, which has since grown to almost 1,000 members across 30 teams, and the wider community.
Former TD and Senator Barry Cogan was additionally awarded the Lifetime Contribution award, recognised for his contribution as a founding member to the Carrigaline Community Association, and for the many community initiatives and local infrastructure developments he championed throughout his political career.
General manager of the Cork International Hotel, Eoghan Murphy, said this year's annual Community Spirits Awards “helped to highlight some incredible people and organisations that add immense value to communities across Cork”.
“The monthly winners have each demonstrated the vital role they play in supporting the towns and communities that make Cork what it is today,” said Mr Murphy.
“Each winner contributes to unique and meaningful causes across the county and we cannot thank them enough.
“They continue to inspire us all and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.” Other monthly winners put forward for the overall prize include Michael Meaney, Tracton Biodiversity Group, St Theresa’s Girl Guides Passage, Cork City AC Robert Heffernan, John Wade, Passage West Pace Centre, Roberts Cove Vintage Festival, Carrigaline Musical Society and Imelda Lynch.
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