Local Heroes Honoured at The 5th Annual Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards in association with The Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware

By Tara Maher

The 5th annual Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards in association with The Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware in the Cork International Hotel on Friday the 24th of March. 

The awards recognise individuals and groups who have dedicated their time to promoting the local community through sports, the arts, sustainability and cultural events. Michael Meaney, Traction Biodiversity Group, Barry Cogan, St. Theresa’s Girl Guides Passage, Cork City AC Robert Heffernan, Trina O’Neill, Helen Noonan, John Wade, Passage West Pace Centre, Roberts Cove Vintage Festival, Carrigaline Musical Society and Imelda Lynch were among the 2025 winners. 

Vincent O'Donovan and Helen Noonan

Helen Noonan was awarded the overall prize at the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards 2025 for her 30-year contribution to the Cork Women's and Schoolgirls Soccer League (CWSSL). Helen was honoured for her unwavering commitment as a Child Welfare Officer whose impact has been felt across multiple generations of young players. 

 In her role, Helen often worked behind the scenes providing constant support to players, clubs and families, while advocating for player welfare, fairness and opportunity for all within the game. 

 Helen recently stepped away from her role as a Child Welfare Officer in the CWSSL to take on a new challenge working with Irish international teams.

Eoghan Murphy and Trina O'Neill

The winner of the Public Vote went to June’s monthly winner Trina O’Neill, Chairperson of Kinsale AFC. Trina has spent over 13 years as part of the Kinsale AFC committee, including nine as a Chairperson, which has seen the club grow to almost 1,000 members across 30 different teams. Trina was commended for her exceptional dedication to the club and wider community helping to inspire generations both on and off the pitch. 

Carmel Lonergan

The Lifetime Contribution was awarded to former TD and Senator Barry Cogan from Carrigaline. Barry was a founding member of the Carrigaline Community Association which has supported many initiatives in the town including GAA organisations, Tidy Towns and the town's Men’s Shed. Throughout his political career, Barry helped secure key developments that improved infrastructure including a Community School and Gaelcholáiste. He was also deeply involved in cultural initiatives championing traditional dance and community events which left a lasting impression on the community. 

Vincent O’Donovan, Managing Director of The Carrigdhoun Newspaper said “It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the twelve monthly winners. Their positive impact on the local community is truly inspirational, and their significant efforts deserve full recognition. Specifically, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Helen, Barry, and Trina; your awards are exceptionally well-deserved.”

Eoghan Murphy, General Manager of the Cork International Hotel said: "The fifth annual Community Spirits Awards has helped to highlight some incredible people and organisations that add immense value to communities across Cork. The monthly winners have each demonstrated the vital role they play in supporting the towns and communities that make Cork what it is today. Each winner contributes to unique and meaningful causes across the county and we cannot thank them enough. They continue to inspire us all and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and success.”  

Director of Group Operations with Trigon Hotels, Carmel Lonergan was on the judging panel and she said: “The 2025 monthly winners have together dedicated decades of their lives to improving their towns and communities. They should each be immensely proud of the work they do to support individuals, families and clubs in their communities. It is always incredibly difficult to come to a decision as every monthly winner is deserving, but I would like to congratulate our three final winners, Helen Noonan, Trina O’Neill and Barry Cogan on the incredible work they have done and continue to do. 

The Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards in association with Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware are now accepting nominations for the 2026 awards. If you would like to nominate someone you believe has shown exceptional community spirit please visit The Cork International Hotel website. 

The 2025 Community Spirit Award Winners:

January: Michael Meaney

February: Traction Biodiversity Group

March: Barry Cogan

 April: St. Theresa’s Girl Guides Passage

 May: Cork City AC Robert Heffernan

 June: Trina O’Neill

 July: Helen Noonan

 August: John Wade

 September: Passage West Pace Centre

 October: Roberts Cove Vintage Festival

 November: Carrigaline Musical Society

 December: Imelda Lynch