In pictures: Covid volunteers across Co Cork honoured in a special ceremony at County Hall

At the worst of times, ordinary people gave their friends, families and communities their best - and an event with more than 120 guests bore witness to their dedication on Thursday night

Cllr. Gillian Coughlan, Mayor of the County of Cork, speaks to over 120 guests at County Hall on Thursday night. Photo: Colm Lougheed

It may be strange for many to begin looking at the Covid-19 crisis in the rear-view mirror - and for many others, that simply isn't an option - but what will surely be remembered as a defining event in modern history was hallmarked by the stories and sights of ordinary people rising to the challenge of others' needs at the very outset of public health restrictions.

L-R: Tim Lucey (Chief Executive of Cork County Council), Cllr. Gillian Coughlan (Mayor of the County of Cork), Adam Lacey (Manager, Cork Volunteer Centre) with members of the Cork North Civil Defence Cork North. Photo: Colm Lougheed