Culture That Made Me: Don O’Leary picks war tales, Horslips and Janet Jackson
Don O’Leary, Director of Cork Life Centre, at the recent presentation of a civic award for his outstanding contribution to education in Cork City. Picture: Darragh Kane
Don O’Leary, 64, grew up in Ballyphehane, Cork. He was elected to Cork City Council for Sinn Féin in 1999, and has been Director of the Cork Life Centre for 16 years. The centre offers an alternative learning environment to marginalised young people. In the 1980s, he served three years in Portlaoise Prison for IRA membership. In 2021, Don was awarded an honorary doctorate by UCC for services to the community and education.
