Best-selling author and Irish Examiner columnist Louise O’Neill, whose works have challenged society to consider and discuss rape culture and consent issues, has been named Cork Person of the Month.

Bob Seward, founder of the Cork Academy of Music, has been named February’s ‘Cork Person of the Month’ for his ground-breaking work in music education on the northside of Cork city.

A priest and a retired fisherman have accepted a major award on behalf of an entire community which played a vital role in recovering the bodies of five fishermen who drowned off the West Cork coast.

There are few things as comforting, apart from bullet-proof personal relationships, than a secure place in an active, united, and caring community.