President sings praises of choral chief as he takes person of the year title

ABOUT 300 people, including President Mary McAleese, yesterday accorded a standing ovation to the man responsible for the success of the Cork International Choral Festival.

John Fitzpatrick was declared the 15th annual winner of the Cork Person of the Year award at Sheraton Fota Island Hotel. One of those clapping the loudest was the very first winner of the title in 1993, Sister Collette Hickey, who was celebrating her 90th birthday.

“It’s very good to be in the company of men and women who showcase human spirit at its very best,” said President McAleese.

John Fitzpatrick, who is choral festival director, received his crystal vase award from the lord mayor of Cork, Councillor Donal Counihan and the mayor of County Cork, Councillor Tom Sheahan.

He has been involved in the festival for 33 years and its director for the past 14 years. Considered a significant choral festival in Europe, it runs over five days each May. Last year’s festival featured 117 performing groups and 3,910 participants from 20 countries. The UCC music graduate, also director of the Cork County VEC School of Music, called the award “a huge honour”.

“This is not just for me but for all those involved in the festival. I accept this on their behalf,” said Mr Fitzpatrick.

Manus O’Callaghan, Cork Person of the Year organiser, said last year’s 53rd choral festival was considered by the critics as a huge success because of its high standards, diversity of activities and especially for the manner in which it interacted with the city.

Mr Fitzpatrick was chosen by judges Bishop John Buckley, the city manager Joe Gavin and the county manager Martin Riordan.

Primetime’s Miriam O’Callaghan and MEP Brian Crowley acted as joint MCs while the event was jointly sponsored by the Irish Examiner and RTÉ.

The monthly award winners were Mary O’Sullivan of the Cork Traveller Women’s Network (January); variety performers Noel Barrett and Pat O’Sullivan (February); retired businessman and voluntary worker Phil O’Donovan (March); Brother Edwin O’Sullivan, Presentation Brother Missionary in Ghana (April).

In May it was the turn of Charlie Daly, who helps to provide dogs for autistic children. John Fitzpatrick took the June title, while in July, Larry O’Brien and Michael O’Mahony of the South Parish Sick Poor society were given the award. Paralympic tandem cyclist Denis Toomey was the August winner and the following month it was the turn of John O’Regan, producer of the Reeling in the Years TV series.

In October, Juliet Murphy, captain of the all-conquering Cork ladies football team was honoured and in November it was the turn of Miriam O’Connell, an addiction counsellor with Anchor Centre in Mallow.

Last month’s winner was Mark Mahon, film writer and director of the film Strength and Honour.