Members of the emergency services, who came to the rescue of scores of people in Bandon twice last December, were hailed as heroes at the annual West Cork Community Awards on Friday night.

Cork City’s St Patrick’s Festival of music, fun, and food kicks off today in a three-day spree expected to attract 100,000 spectators.

Celebrating St Patrick’s Day in counties Cork and Kerry will involve recalling notable events of the past, as well as toasting recent successes.