Shane is Cork Person of the Year
What would Billy Murphy think of this? Acclaimed actor, playwright, and community leader Shane Casey has been named Cork Person of the Year for 2024.
Casey's journey from a painter/decorator to a leading figure in the Irish entertainment scene has captivated audiences and garnered widespread acclaim across many years.
His breakthrough role as Billy Murphy in ‘The Young Offenders’ film and subsequent TV series propelled him to fame across both Ireland and the UK.
Beyond the screen, Casey has also made significant contributions to the arts and community. His play ‘Wet Paint’ received critical acclaim and toured nationally, showcasing his ability to create engaging and thought-provoking material. He has also been actively involved with Cork's Graffiti Theatre Company for more than a decade, leading resilience and wellbeing workshops for secondary school students. He is also a supporter of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Awards Organiser Manus O’Callaghan said: “The Cork Person of the Year Awards continues to serve as the premier awards event in the county, celebrating the achievements of exceptional individuals and community groups who have had a lasting impact on our home and its people. Shane Casey embodies everything we love about Cork, and his selection as Cork Person of the Year is testament to his talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his craft and his community.”
The Cork Person of the Year Annual Gala Lunch was held at the Cork International Hotel and featured a number of other awards.
Kellie Harrington, who won the women’s lightweight boxing gold medal at both the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics, was named an Honorary Corkperson. In recognition of her significant sporting achievements, she was presented with a Republic of Cork passport and an inscribed piece of Cork Crystal by the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle, and the Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Joe Carroll.
Skibbereen’s Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, who also won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in 2020 and 2024 in the lightweight double sculls, were inducted into the Cork Person of the Year Hall of Fame.
A new In Memoriam section was introduced this year. Represented by their daughters Suzy and Crona, the lives and achievements of broadcasting couple Gay Byrne and Kathleen Watkins were celebrated. Also, 30 years since his passing, legendary guitarist and Rory Gallagher was also remembered. Rory was represented by his nephew Eoin Gallagher.
Meanwhile Skibbereen Rowing Club received the Supreme Cork award. Represented by Nuala Lupton, Club President, and Richard Hosford, the club was recognised for its significant contribution to sporting life in Cork by fostering the talents of champions on the national, world and Olympic stage, all on a voluntary basis.