Cork's Person of the Month for May has 'positively impacted countless lives in Cork'

Tony O’Connell of Cork City Sports International, Tina Quinn of AM O’Sullivan PR, Nominator James Leonard, May's person of the month Sheila Connolly, Roger Russell of The Metropole Hotel and person of the month organiser Manus O’Callaghan. Picture: Tony O’Connell Photography

Sheila Connolly, who has been hailed as a difference maker in the community, has won the Cork Person of the Month award for May.

Ms Connolly is the CEO of Cork Alliance Centre which provides a service to ex-offenders to resettle into society, conquer addiction issues and desist from criminal activity upon their release.

The Centre also provides support, practical advice, and encouragement to employers who are interested in hiring people with convictions, which can act as both a sound business decision and a tangible contribution to the community.

Cork Person of the Month organiser Manus O’Callaghan said Ms Connolly is ‘deserving’ of the award during a presentation.

“Sheila’s work with the Cork Alliance Centre has positively impacted countless lives in Cork, providing ex-offenders with invaluable guidance and tools to allow them to rebuild their lives after spending time in prison.

“By exemplifying everything that is good about the Cork community Sheila is most deserving of a Cork Person of the Month award”, he said.

James Leonard, a former Cork Alliance Centre service user, praised Ms Connolly contribution to his own life.

Over the past 25 years, Sheila has helped thousands of Cork men and women rebuild their lives following a spell in prison. She has been key in breaking family cycles of offending and also reducing crime, which has in turn led to less victims of crime and a safer society for all.

“She has been instrumental in my life, my wife’s life, my friends’ lives, and the lives of thousands across Cork city and county”, he said.

Ms Connolly also spent several years volunteering with St Vincent de Paul, Cork’s Sexual Health Centre and Men Overcoming Violence Ireland.

Ms Connolly will compete alongside the other monthly winners for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the annual gala lunch in January next year.