Kinsale Honours Dan Cummins Writes Leo McMahon
Over 200 people attended what was a surprise dinner in Acton’s Hotel, Kinsale recently to pay tribute to Dan Cummins, who recently retired after 47 years outstanding service in his locality to Cork County Council, many of these as district engineering supervisor. A welcome was extended by MC Gerry Reynolds and there was an excellent This is Your Life style slide presentation about ‘Dan the Man’ from Dermot Ryan as well as video messages of congratulations from family and friends in Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi, Spain, the UK and Newport, Rhode Island with Mayor of the latter, Henry Winthrop making Dan a key-holder and honorary citizen of the American twin port. Tributes were paid by Fr. Robert Young on behalf of the Parish and schools, chairperson of Cork County Council’s Bandon-Kinsale Municipal District, Kevin Murphy; Dan’s son John and Dan’s brother John on behalf of the family; Kevin O’Donovan of Ballymartle GAA Club; Area engineer with the county council, Brendan Fehily; Dermot Ryan of Kinsale Local History Society; Alice McCarthy, the last principal of St John’s NS, Lions Club president and Garda Chief Supt (Cork West) Con Cadogan; Peter Elliot, Kinsale Rugby Club; John Hunt, president of Kinsale Golf Club; Tomas O’Brien of Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Business; Paralympian John Twomey of Kinsale Yacht Club; Gina Griffin and Sam McCarthy, Sailability; Charles Henderson of Tidy Towns; Michael Frawley of Kinsale Good Food Circle; Harbour master Capt. Phil Devitt of Kinsale Regatta Festival and Ted McNamara of The White House Lotto Lads. Speakers referred to Dan Cummins’ dedication and professionalism and involvement in so much of what has been positive about Kinsale over the years. As a council employee, his input into many projects of benefit was significant, including the 1601 Mast, the plaque near Charles Fort and Chair at Millwater; the Walled Town model, the new park near Archdeacon Duggan Bridge, the children’s playground, heritage and multi-lingual signage, environmental awards, the recycling centre and better footpaths and accessibility for disabled pedestrians and sailors. Dan was also praised for his involvement in Guardwell Homes, the Lions Club, Macra, the Regatta, Tidy Towns, sports clubs, schools, and the Chamber of Tourism and for being a terrific ambassador for Kinsale. Numerous presentations to Dan included a framed picture of the Battle of Kinsale; a life pass to Kinsale Rugby Sevens; tickets for the Gourmet Festival; a Giles Norman photograph; a Ballymartle club jersey, a Lotto Lads photo and by Con Cadogan on behalf of everyone who attended plus the Tidy Towns, Lotto Lads and Regatta committee, a set of golf clubs. A floral bouquet was presented to Dan’s wife Mary, to whom many also paid tribute, and several of Dan’s family were in attendance. A ‘humbled and emotional’ Dan thanked his wife and family, all who made presentations, the organisers, work colleagues and everyone present. He stressed that most of what he did over the years was in conjunction with a whole load of people. A marvellous night continued with music from and dancing to Michael and Rosaleen. There was high praise for Tomas Wrixon and staff of Acton’s Hotel for the excellent meal and thanks to various sponsors. The organising committee comprised Con Cadogan, Donal Hickey, Michael Frawley, Ted McNamara, Charles Henderson, Gerry O’Dwyer, Donal Kelly, Brendan Fehily, Dermot Ryan and Gerry Reynolds.
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