It is fitting that the organisers of the People of the Year Awards should decide to acknowledge the courage and valour of members of the Irish Coast Guard service.

A former army officer who set up a music school with the aim of promoting music as a tool for social inclusion is the winner of Cork Person of the Year Award.

Some of the most memorable news events of the year, both heartening and heartbreaking, were recalled at the annual People of the Year Awards.

The annual search for individuals and groups who have heartened and inspired the nation is under way, as nominations open for the 2015 People of the Year Awards.