Kinsale Activist Named Joint Cork Persons of the Month

Lisa Murphy, a dedicated volunteer at the Mayfield Community Development Project (CDP), and Alice de la Cour, a prolific community activist and charity leader from Kinsale, have been named joint Cork Persons of the Month for April. This award recognises their shared commitment to social inclusion, community support, and their tireless efforts to uplift those in need across Cork city and county. 

After returning to the Mayfield CDP to turn her life around, Lisa Murphy established the local Chit Chat Group in 2024. This weekly informal gathering provides a safe space for locals to reconnect, share experiences, and combat the growing issue of social isolation. Her leadership has empowered many community members to regain their confidence, make new friends and pursue new opportunities.

Pictured as Lisa Murphy and Alice de la Cour received their joint Cork Persons of the Month Awards were: (Rear, L - R) Anthony O’Donovan, Awards Sponsor; George and Max Duggan, Cork Crystal; Eamonn Cassidy, The Metropole Hotel/Trigon Hotels; (Front, L - R) Lisa Murphy, Cork Person of the Month; Ann-Marie O’Sullivan, AM O’Sullivan PR; and Alice de la Cour, Cork Person of the Month.

Beyond her organised group work, Lisa is also known for supporting those in crisis. Recently, she supported a local family following the sudden passing of their father. Lisa stepped in to lend a hand, assist with house repairs, provide food, and help them to fill out complex paperwork to ensure the family remained financially stable during this difficult period. 

Lisa’s own journey is inspirational. Having left school at the age of 13, she is now pursuing higher education through Munster Technological University’s Access programme. She credits the support of the Mayfield CDP staff, particularly the late Mary Kelly and Liz O’Halloran, for “opening the door” when she felt like a broken person, a favour she now returns daily to the community.

Alice de la Cour is a lifelong volunteer whose impact spans decades of service in Kinsale and beyond. A native of Youghal, a job working for her late sister Nora brought her to Kinsale where she now currently resides. 

Having worked for 42 years in media with the Irish Examiner, Alice believes that this job opened many doors for her, with the support from colleagues and management and the contacts she gained proving invaluable in allowing her to develop many projects to help others. 

Alice was the first female president of the Kinsale & District Lions Club and has been a driving force behind numerous vital initiatives. Through her work with the Lions Club she was central in raising awareness of the availability of Cancer Connect, a free transport service for those with cancer, and generating 20 Cancer Connect drivers in the Kinsale area alone.

She was also responsible for sourcing over €500,000 worth of new clothing and footwear from a major retailer, which was then distributed to families, individuals, hospitals and organisations in need. 

Alice’s compassion for sick children was instrumental in setting up a Christmas Toy Appeal in City Hospitals and for families in crisis during Covid. This event continues to this day through Kinsale & District Lions Club. 

For 12 years, she worked with Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club to organise a Christmas “Winter Wonderland” at Fota House for hundreds of sick children. 

She has also worked with Kinsale Youth Support Services, a group which works very closely with local schools to provide low-cost mental health counselling for children in difficult situations; aided fundraising efforts for Bumbleance, an ambulance service specifically designed for the transportation of sick children; organised holidays in Kinsale for Chernobyl Children through the Bubblegum Club; and has set up book initiatives in hospitals and Edel House to ensure patients and residents can pick up a book to read and take home if desired. 

Alice has also played a central role in promoting local heritage and cultural initiatives in Kinsale through her involvement with St. Catherine’s Cultural Centre. As Director of Operations, she plays an integral role to ensure that this historic building continues to remain a vibrant hub for the local community.

Awards Organiser Manus O’Callaghan commended the pair: “Both Lisa and Alice represent the very best of Cork’s community spirit. Lisa’s ability to use her own life experiences to create a safe space for others in Mayfield is truly remarkable. Equally, Alice’s decades of leadership in Kinsale and her vast contribution to children's charities show a lifetime of selflessness. Together, they demonstrate how individuals can transform their local areas through compassion and action.” 

Lisa Murphy and Alice de la Cour’s names will now go forward for possible selection as Cork Persons of the Year at the Cork Person of the Year Annual Gala Awards Lunch in January 2027.