Award for a ‘true treasure’

A dedicated clubman from Cork Harlequins is the winner of the latest Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award.

Norman Deane, now in his 80s, has looked after the grounds at the famous hockey and cricket club since the mid-1980s.

He still comes to the club every day to feed the cat and cut the acres of grass and is said to have saved the club thousands of euro over the years through his volunteering.

Director of Sales and Marketing, Trigon Hotels, Peter Loughnane said: “Norman is a true treasure. He has been truly committed to the club over the years. He clearly goes beyond the call of duty for the club and he has made a huge contribution to its success over the years. He takes huge pride in his work and the grounds at Cork Harlequins are impeccable. Congrats to Norman.”

The Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Award was established this year to honour volunteers who are making a significant contribution to their community.The awards are open to community groups and organisations in Cork from first-responders to community centres, victim support services to sports groups and volunteers in the health and disability sectors.Nominations are open at corkinternationalairporthotel.com.