11 November 2021
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
The Cork International Hotel is continuing its search for unsung heroes
For many years, Francis organised the enormous ‘Passage West Ladies Football Blitz’, an All-Ireland under-age Gaelic Football blitz for girls which regularly had attendances of over 5,000 people. He remains involved as a valued member and volunteer of Passage West GAA Club.
Charity and volunteerism is also a huge part of Francis’ life and annually he decorates his house for Halloween in order to raise funds for Marymount Hospice. This year he created his biggest ever display and attracted large numbers of visitors to see the decorations and make a donation to the charity.
Francis McEveney, Passage West: Winner of the Community Spirit Award, presented by Eoghan Murphy: Deputy General Manager, Cork International Hotel (Sponsor), alongside Jack White: Director The Carrigdhoun Newspaper (Media Partners) & Cllr. Marcia D’Alton (Depusting for The Mayor of County Cork), Passage West, 6th November 2021. Photo Siobhán Russell
General Manager of the Cork International Hotel, Carmel Lonergan said: “Francis is a wonderful example of a champion volunteer and a great advocate for women’s sport. Francis started the ‘Passage West Ladies Football Blitz’ in 2008 as he was keen for his own daughters to play the sport. Since then, it has grown from 8 teams initially to 133 teams from 15 counties competing in 2019. Francis also raises community spirits of a different kind with his spectacular Halloween displays every year. They truly need to be seen to be believed. He has succeeded in generating thousands of euro for Marymount Hospice.”
The awards, which are sponsored by The Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware, take in a large geographical area in South Cork stretching from Rochestown, Douglas and Togher to Kinsale, Crosshaven and Passage West.
The judging panel comprises a mixture of public and private sector representatives from the community.
The judging panel for this award was:
- Carmel Lonergan General Manager Cork International Hotel
- Nicola Radley Senior Executive Officer, Municipal District Operations & Rural Development at Cork County Council
- Aisling Killilea Bank of Ireland Manager Carrigaline and Douglas
- Vincent O’Donovan Carrigdhoun
- Jack White Carrigdhoun
Nominations are open now: https://www.corkinternationalairporthotel.com/community-spirit-awards/
