Actor Jeremy Irons to become ‘honorary’ Cork man

Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons is to be made an 'honorary' Cork man at a ceremony in the city this week.

Irons (65) is known for his contribution to the local community in Cork and has worked with charities such as the Greater Chernobyl Cause and the Hope Foundation.

The Isle of Wight-born star will be bestowed with his title of honorary Corkman on January 17th at the Cork Person of the Year awards.

He will receive his award from last year's inaugural recipient, Oscar-winning film producer, Lord David Puttnam.

Irons has lived in West Cork since the late 1990s when he and his wife Sinead Cusack bought Kilcoe Castle outside Ballydehob.

The couple carried out substantial renovations.

The 15th century castle was the site of the last stand of the McCarthy clan against the English in 1603 following the defeat of the Gaelic armies in the wake of the failed Spanish landing at Kinsale.

Meanwhile, the Cork Person of the Year will be announced at the ceremony in the Rochestown Park Hotel in the city on Friday.

The nominees include world champion walker Rob Heffernan, chef Rachel Allen, Catriona Twomey of Penny Dinners, sopranos Mary Hegarty, Cara O'Sullivan and Majella Cullagh and Cope Foundation teacher Padraig Aherne.

Previous winners have included Sonia O'Sullivan, Roy Keane and Adi Roche.