Ringaskiddy Local Hero Wins First Ever Community Spirit Award
Cork International Hotel is Looking for Nominations for the Community Spirit Awards
The search was recently launched for unsung heroes in Cork. The new award was established to honour volunteers who are making a significant contribution to their community. “The Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award” will see a group or individual chosen every month with an overall winner selected at the end of the year.
The first award winner for January has been chosen and is Jamie O’Toole from the Ringaskiddy Tidy Towns. Jamie took it upon himself to organise the tidy town committee and he has changed the village into a beautiful site with beautiful flower boats visible for all to see. He is also helping to arrange the picking up of litter and locals say he is extremely helpful and cheerful and also so approachable.
He goes out every week in his own time and changes the village into a place everyone wants to keep beautiful and tidy. He also keeps everyone entertained on a Saturday night with bingo on zoom.
The awards are open to community groups and organisations in Cork from first-responders to community centres, victim support services to sports groups and those volunteering in the health and disability sectors.
Deputy General Manager of the Cork International Hotel, Eoghan Murphy said: “We are delighted to see Jamie pick up the first award this year. The local community in Ringaskiddy is so proud of him and all he does for the village. He looks out for everyone while also taking care of the village and keeping people entertained on Zoom with bingo. There are remarkable people within our community who selflessly give their time and talent to benefit others. We want to recognise these individuals and groups and highlight the phenomenal contributions they have made to all our lives. The last year has been challenging for everyone and that is why it is so important that we recognise those who go above and beyond for others.”
Senior Executive Officer at Cork City Council, Nicola Radley said: “These awards are a wonderful way to recognise the organisations in our locality and their volunteers. People have really pulled together this last year and gone above and beyond and we want to recognise that. It is very important for us to recognise the amazing people in our community.”
The awards, which are sponsored by The Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware, will take place in a large geographical area in South Cork stretching from Rochestown, Douglas and Togher to Kinsale, Crosshaven and Passage West.
The judging panel will comprise a mixture of public and private sector representatives from the community.
The judging panel for this award was:
- Carmel Lonergan, General Manager Cork International Hotel
- Nicola Radley, Senior Executive Officer, Municipal District Operations & Rural Development at Cork County Council
- Aisling Killilea, Bank of Ireland Manager, Carrigaline and Douglas
- Vincent O’Donovan, Carrigdhoun
- Jack White, Carrigdhoun