Don O'Leary to receive Lord Mayor's Civic Award

11th January 2022

The first of six annual Lord Mayor Civic Awards 2022 were announced at this week’s council meeting to Don O'Leary, “a man who has been enormously influential in education” through his work leading the team at Cork Life Centre.

Each year six people receive Lord Mayor’s Civic Awards in recognition of their efforts to support communities across Cork city.

Last night, Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Colm Kelleher said: “ I am breaking with tradition somewhat by announcing one of the awards earlier in the calendar. It is to honour a man who has been enormously influential in education across the city; a man who - with his team at Cork Life Centre – has ensured that young people who are facing challenges in their lives, do not lose out on an education”.

“When Don O’Leary took up his role in 2006, there were six students planning to sit the Junior Cert at Cork Life Centre and now there are 55 from first year to sixth year,” he added.

“By listening to, respecting and supporting young people, using the Servol Life Centre model, Don has guided hundreds of young people, many facing mental health issues or recovering from trauma, to a place where they can visualise a future for themselves, can self-motivate and can continue their education,” he said.

“By providing wrap around services for these young people, he has nurtured their self esteem, their self belief and given them the keys to their future”.

“I am delighted to announce here tonight that Don O’Leary is one of six recipients of the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Civic Awards for his work at Cork Life Centre”.