All bets are off as Cork Person of the Year too close to call

NO clear favourite has emerged with the bookies as to the likely winner of the 20th annual Cork Person of the Year award, which will be announced later this week.

It appears, though, that there are four likely front-runners for the title, which include 91-year-old Hollywood screen legend Maureen O’Hara.

Manus O’Callaghan, who organises the event on a voluntary basis, said: “this is the most difficult year of all to pick a winner, so I’m glad it’s the city and county managers (judges) who will make the ultimate decision and not me.”

The other three front- runners are Brother Kevin Crowley, Maureen Forrest and Liam Casey.

Brother Crowley, the Capuchin from Ennisk- eane, captured the attention of the nation on RTÉ radio and television over Christmas as he fed and clothed thousands of people in Dublin.

Maureen Forrest is the well-known founder and director of the Hope Foundation and was recognised for her many years of work with the street children in Kolkata, India.

Liam Casey was recognised for his business acumen. The founder of PCH International heads a company which now employs 1,200 people.

However, as Mr O’Callaghan readily admitted, there is no reason to believe that judges Tim Lucey and Martin Riordan will not pick one of the other eight monthly winners at the ceremony, which will take place on Friday at the Fota Island Hotel.

The youngest nominee, at just 18 years old, is Naomi Coonghe. For the past two years Naomi has been crowned the best overall junior female in Taekwon-Do in Europe.

Scientist Dr Mark Tangney works with Cork Cancer Research Centre and has achieved important breakthroughs in gene therapy.

Tim Horgan was put forward for his 40 years promoting Cork hurling through his books.

Denis Linehan was recognised for his many years of voluntary work with clubs and organisations in Charleville.

Phil Goodman was nominated for her many years of voluntary work with older people and is the driving force behind Young at Heart Douglas Senior Citizens.

Comedian Pakie O’Callaghan is also in the running for keeping traditional Cork entertainment alive through his one-man shows.

Brendan Dempsey’s tireless work as regional president of St Vincent de Paul has helped many poor families in Cork and won him a nomination.

Last, but not least, the remaining nominee is Eamonn Ryan.

The inspirational GAA coach has managed the Cork Ladies Football team to an amazing six All Ireland titles in the past seven years.

The award organisers are looking for ordinary people who have become local Cork heroes as they begin their search for next year’s winner.

* Nominations can be sent to Manus O’Callaghan, awards organiser, c/o Southern Advertising, 9 EastGate Avenue, EastGate Business Park, Little Island, Cork. Tel: [phone] or email [e-mail]