Pictured at the award presentation in front are: Roger Russell, The Metropole Hotel; John Arnold and Marie Barry, Cork Persons of the Month for October; Paddy O’Brien, nominator. At the rear are: Manus O’Callaghan, Awards Organiser; George Duggan, Cork Crystal; Clara O’Mahoney, AM O’Sullivan PR and Anthony O’Donovan, Masterkabin. Photo: Tony O’Connell

Community activists take October award

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Grace Sweeney

Marie Barry from Mayfield and John Arnold from Bartlemy have been announced as Cork Persons of the Month for October.

The two activists have been awarded joint persons of the month in order to mark their community contributions over the decades.

Marie Barry is the President of the Mayfield Ladies Club and has been a member of the club for the past fifty years. Over the decades, the club have helped women in the Mayfield area get involved in their community and has introduced them to their neighbours. The Ladies Club also volunteers for local organisations, such as fundraising for the Mayfield GAA Club, and the Over 60’s Talent Competition. They hold weekly meetings for their sixty-five members.

Talking about the club, spokesperson for the elderly in Cork, Paddy O’Brien said: “The Mayfield Club is a great social club where woman can meet for a cuppa and chat and support each other, and especially support members who have lost partners and family members.”

Joint winner of Cork Persons of the Month, Marie Barry added: “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all present and past members of our club - this is indeed a very special recognition.” Joint winner, John Arnold has dedicated his life to community work, both in his native Bartlemy near Fermoy, where he runs a farm, and far beyond.

He is a respected and much sought-after social historian, keeping his door open for anyone visiting Cork who seeks information on their heritage.

He has always been involved in community work, from documenting families and life in Cork, to recording the dead in the county’s graveyards and has been a volunteer for the Cloyne diocese pilgrimage to Lourdes on more than thirty occasions. The joint persons of the month winner has a great interest in current affairs and takes part in national debates on all media, including TG4 as he is a fluent Irish speaker.

Marie Barry and John Arnold will now go on to qualify as nominees for Cork Persons of the Year which will be held at a gala awards lunch in January.

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