Garry McCarthy Honored as Cork Person of the Year

Garry McCarthy has been named the Cork Person of the Year at the 33rd annual awards ceremony held at the Metropole Hotel on March 15, 2024. Known for his dedication to mentoring young musicians, McCarthy received a standing ovation from attendees, celebrating his impactful work in the community.

McCarthy, who leads the non-profit community music centre, The Kabin Studio, located in Knocknaheeny, has spent over two decades shaping the local music scene. Under his creative alias, GMC, he has championed the talents of young rappers and songwriters. Notably, his studio was the birthplace of the viral hit song The Spark, which garnered more than 1.5 billion views on TikTok and nine million views on YouTube. The track features children from a direct provision centre in Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, alongside local youth attending The Kabin.

Throughout his career, McCarthy has organized over 2,500 music workshops through his initiatives, including GMCBeats and Song-in-a-Day. These programs aim to create an inclusive environment where young people can express themselves and gain valuable experience with recording technology. Recently, he has also been mentoring young international artists virtually and composed the soundtrack for the award-winning film Christy.

“I’m shocked by this, especially with the amount of legends in this room,” McCarthy said during his acceptance speech. “I love working with the kids and now even the grandparents are rapping in Knocknaheeny. It’s like one big family up there.”

Honorees and Recognitions

The selection of McCarthy as the Cork Person of the Year was made by judges including Valerie O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork City Council, and Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council. The award was presented by Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork, and Mary Linehan-Foley, the Mayor of County Cork.

In addition to McCarthy’s recognition, Joe Duffy, former presenter of RTÉ Radio One Liveline, was named an Honorary Cork Person. Former Barnardos chief executive Fergus Finlay was inducted into the Cork Person of the Year Hall of Fame, acknowledging his contributions to the community.

A special moment of the evening was dedicated to Joe Mac, the legendary drummer of The Dixies, who received a ‘Supreme Cork’ award for his decades of contributions to the local music scene. Approaching his 90th birthday, Mac expressed his gratitude, stating he was “overwhelmed” by the honor. He humorously added, “I have to sit down, I’m shagged,” after sharing a few jokes with the audience.

The event not only celebrated the achievements of these notable individuals but also highlighted the vibrant culture and community spirit of Cork. Through their contributions, honorees like McCarthy and Mac continue to inspire others and enrich the local arts scene.