After all, Shane Casey is Cork Person of the Year

Just as a hostage situation on the Number 8 bus couldn’t stop Billy Murphy from leading a karaoke rendition of the Frank and Walters’ After All, even a red level wind warning couldn’t put a permanent halt to The Young Offenders star Shane Casey being named Cork Person of the Year 2024.

Storm Éowyn might have delayed this year’s gala lunch by a month, but the annual event went ahead this Friday lunchtime at the Cork International Hotel, with Mr Casey, an actor, playwright, and community leader receiving this year’s top honour.

Mr Casey’s journey from working as a painter and decorator to becoming a leading figure in the Irish entertainment scene has captivated audiences and garnered widespread acclaim over several years.

His breakthrough role as Billy Murphy in The Young Offenders film and subsequent TV series brought him to fame in both Ireland and the UK, showcasing his talent and versatility.

Beyond the screen, he has also made significant contributions to the arts and community.

His play Wet Paint received critical acclaim and toured nationally, showcasing his ability to create engaging and thought-provoking material, and he has been involved with Cork’s Graffiti Theatre Company for over a decade, leading resilience and well-being workshops for secondary school students.

Over several years he has shown his for Cork-based national charity Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The event was MC’d by RTÉ broadcasters Anne Cassin and Miriam O’Callaghan.

Teased about her prospects of running for the presidency later this year, Ms O’Callaghen gave what will, despite her best efforts, almost certainly not be the last word on the subject.

“I just want to put it on the record,” she said, “I will never, ever, ever, run for president.” This year’s Cork Person of the Year Awards event also featured a number of other awards.

Kellie Harrington, who won the women’s lightweight boxing gold medal at both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics, was named an Honorary Corkperson.

In recognition of her significant sporting achievements, she was presented with a Republic of Cork port and an inscribed piece of Cork Crystal by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, and by the Mayor of the County of Cork, Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll.

The proud Dub looked at her new Cork port and said: “I’ll get some stick about this when I get home”.

A new ‘In Memoriam’ section was introduced this year to honour people who have left an indelible impression on the people of Cork.

The inaugural recipients were a Cork legend who was arguably Ireland’s first rock star, and a broadcasting couple who were pioneers of radio and television.

Thirty years after his ing, legendary blues guitarist and Cork hero Rory Gallagher was ed for all he did to put the Lee delta on the world blues stage. Rory was represented by his nephew Eoin, who is the son of Rory’s brother and manager Dónal Gallagher.

Gay Byrne and Kathleen Watkins were represented at the ceremony by their daughters Suzy and Crona.

Skibbereen’s Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, who won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2020 and 2024 in the lightweight double sculls, were inducted into the Cork Person of the Year Hall of Fame. Paul previously won Cork Person of the Year in 2016 alongside his brother, Gary.

This year’s ‘Supreme Cork’ award went to Skibbereen Rowing Club. Represented by Club President, Nuala Lupton, the club was recognised for its significant contribution to sporting life in Cork by fostering the talents of champions on the national, world and Olympic stage, all on a voluntary basis.

European Commissioner Michael McGrath was awarded for his involvement with the event scheme over the years. He wasn’t able to attend – he’s on official duty in India and bound for Singapore – but he was represented by his brother Séamus, recently elected Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central.

Organiser Manus O’Callaghan said the Cork Person of the Year Awards continue to serve as the premier such event in the county, celebrating the achievements of exceptional individuals and community groups who have had a lasting impact on our home and its people.

“Shane Casey embodies everything we love about Cork, and his selection as Cork Person of the Year is testament to his talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his craft and his community,” he said.

“Everyone involved with the Cork Person of the Year Awards extends a huge congratulations to each of today’s worthy award winners.

“We also wish to give a special mention to each of our Cork Persons of the Month who continue to have an immeasurably positive impact on Leeside.” 

Mr O’Callaghan also thanked the awards’ sponsors, and the judges, Cork City Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan, and Cork County Council chief executive Moira Murrell.