We are long overdue a merit system to honour our citizens

Today, the Irish Examiner publishes a special souvenir supplement marking 25 years of the Cork Person of the Year award, writes David O'Mahony. 

Its longevity is a testament to its organisers, and a perusal of the supplement pages shows the diversity of award recipients and nominees. They range from high-profile sports figures to people who may have a lower profile but a track record of working hard for local and international causes, making a difference in many different ways.