CORK FILM AND DOCUMENTARY MAKER RECOGNISED FOR HER LOCAL VOLUNTEER WORK

A Cork filmmaker who has documented projects run by local groups has been honoured with a Community Spirit Award for her dedication to giving a voice to local volunteers. 

Lorraine Hogan has been highlighting the people and grassroots initiatives that shape local life ensuring their contributions are recognised, valued and remembered.

Her self-funded films include Seanscoil (2025), which documents a community transforming a historic schoolhouse into an arts hub (The Tracton Community Centre), and Seascape (2022), which explores the sense of community and connection through sea swimming. 

Lorraine Hogan from Minane Bridge, Co. Cork, pictured with Eoghan Murphy, General Manager, Cork International Hotel and Vincent O'Donovan, Managing Editor, The Carrigdhoun Newspaper, after she received The Cork International Hotel / The Carrigdhoun Newspaper Community Spirit Award. Picture: Adrian O'Herlihy

Lorraine also supports various volunteer groups including Tracton Arts Festival, Tracton Biodiversity Group, Tracton Vintage Festival, Cork Teen Idol and Team Hope for which she contributed to a campaign to help raise €7,000 for the charity. Her self-funded series ‘Creative Minds with Lorraine Hogan’ provides a platform for local artists.

General Manager of the Cork International Hotel, Eoghan Murphy said: “So many projects in rural communities have little or no funding but yet provide an important service to so many people. They need volunteers like Lorraine Hogan in order to keep going and Lorraine’s efforts have been unwavering over the years. She is a wonderful example of what can be achieved and we are delighted to present her with a Community Spirit Award.”

Vincent O’Donovan, Publisher of The Carrigdhoun Newspaper said “Lorraine’s documentary Seanscoil celebrates the heritage and culture of rural Ireland. Her passion for highlighting local history and keeping it alive in the modern day is inspiring. This award was designed to celebrate those putting their community first, which Lorraine has done for many years.”

The Community Spirit Awards are sponsored by the Cork International Hotel and The Carrigdhoun. The judging panel is made up of a mixture of representatives from the public and private sector within the community.

Nominations are open for next month's awards at: https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/community-spirit-awards/