John Looney voted Cork Person of the Year 2016 for decades of work with sick children

A man who has brought smiles to the faces of countless sick and deserving children was given a standing ovation by more than 250 guests as he was pronounced Cork Person of the Year.

The accolade deservedly went to John Looney from Togher, who founded the Cork City Hospital Children’s Club charity 23 years ago to enhance the lives of sick children.

It was a noteworthy occasion all round for John who confided his daughter, Noelle, 26, was due to give birth yesterday to his first grandchild. She attended the ceremony, calmly proclaiming: “It’s just a waiting game.”