Lord Mayor's Community & Heritage Concert launched

31 August 2023

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Kieran McCarthy recognised the work and passion of two prominent Corkonians by awarding the Historian of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards to John Hennessy and Paddy O’Brien respectively, at a small, private ceremony in City Hall on Monday. The Lord Mayor was also delighted to announce the date of the annual Lord Mayor’s Community and Heritage Concert and ‘Celebrating Cork’s Past’ exhibition, which will take place on Saturday 30 September in Cork City Hall. 

Lord Mayor’s Community and Heritage Concert

The Lord Mayor's Community & Heritage Concert 2023 will explore the themes of musicals, movies and more. This year the concert will feature talented community music groups such as the Barrack Street Band, the Voices of Cork Choir along with well-known singers Linda Kenny, Art Supple amongst others. Tickets are distributed by the committee to people who wouldn’t normally get the chance to attend such an event. 

Lord Mayor Cllr. Kieran McCarthy said: “I am delighted to be officiating at this year’s Community & Heritage Concert showcasing Cork's history, culture and heritage. This concert epitomises social inclusion and community participation at work. I know that it will an enjoyable and entertaining evening, showcasing the best-in-class talent that Cork has to offer”.

Awards

John Hennessy from Cobh was awarded the title of ‘Historian of the Year’ by the Lord Mayor.  A former ‘Cobh Person of the Year’ (2005), his accolades range from helping set up the Diabetics Association, to advancing boxing, and reviving the annual Cobh Regatta. It is for his role as the President of the Great Island Historical Society and his telling of Cobh’s history that he was honoured this year. 

Paddy O’Brien, a Spangle Hill native, was recognised for his work founding and running the ‘Over 60s Talent Competition’ for over 40 years. This much-loved event not only brought great joy  to the older people of Cork, but it also enriched the cultural landscape of the city, keeping the arts and traditions alive. Paddy continues to highlight the problems of loneliness faced by older people and advocate for their needs.  

These awards are part of a broader initiative that aims to celebrate Cork’s past and keep its musical culture alive. This will be furthered through the ‘Celebrating Cork’s Past Exhibition’ and the Lord Mayor’s Community and Heritage Concert, both taking place on Saturday 30 September in Cork City Hall. The annual events are organised by a voluntary committee comprising Committee Chair, former Lord Mayor of Cork, Mr. Brian Bermingham, Cork historian Richard T. Cooke, Concert Producer Billy O’ Callaghan, (Barrack Street Band), members of the Cork Lions Club, Pat O’Brien and Teresa Dineen and Cork City and County Councils. 

Celebrating Cork’s Past Exhibition

The exhibition, "Celebrating Cork Past", supported by Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Cork Lions Club, seeks to carry on the tradition of recording and celebrating local history. 

‘The County of Cork is steeped in heritage and this exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for heritage groups and societies from throughout the city and county to come together, promote their heritage, make new connections and learn from one another. It is a great family day and I encourage people from throughout the county to attend on the day, to support the ambassadors from their own localities and the heritage heroes from throughout Cork County and City’, commented Cllr. Frank O'Flynn, Mayor of the County of Cork.
 

The exhibition will take place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 30 September at the Millennium Hall in Cork City Hall. All are welcome and admission is free.
 
 For further information about exhibiting or attending the concert: 

Contact: community@corkcity.ie