A TOURISM boss who was one of the driving forces behind the restoration of the Swansea to Cork Ferry has been named Cork Person of the Year.
The ferry service, which was axed three years ago, is to make a comeback this spring with the new €7.8 million Finnish vessel MV Julia, which will sail the Swansea to Cork route.
The Swansea Ferry Co-Op headed by Conor Buckley began their campaign in 2009 to raise funds to get the route back. A Finnish bank also supported the acquisition of the ship through the provision of a multimillion euro mortgage.
West Cork Tourism chairman Mr Buckley was instrumental in raising vital funds to get the service up and running again.
Speaking at the Cork Person of the Year gala yesterday, Mr Buckley said the award was not just for him but every member of the co-op.
“It is the people who are involved and put their money up that are to be highly commended. Particularly three of the founders of the co-op who are here with me today. David Good, Pádraig Fleming and Tim Looney – without those three gentleman and an entire community of people, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Other monthly nominees put forward for the title included Sr Pauline Casey of the Presentation Order, musician Donal Ring, Special Olympics competitor Pat Dorgan and Eileen Nolan, founder of the Montfort Performing Arts Project.
Speaking at the event yesterday, President Mary McAleese said that it was important to remember the huge contribution made by all the nominees.