John Loughnan, a community advocate for his adopted town of Clonakilty, has been named Cork Person of the Month for February in recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service, local heritage, and his support for families and organisations across West Cork.
Originally born on the Lower Road in Cork City in 1952 to parents who migrated from Killarney in the 1930s, John has been a cornerstone of the Clonakilty community for decades. Known as a man with a very big heart, his influence is felt across every facet of local life.
A former town councillor, John served as Mayor of Clonakilty in 2011 and 2017, with his 2011 election coming exactly 100 years after his grandfather John Maher Loughnan was elected Mayor of Killarney.
He is the current vice president of Clonakilty GAA Club, and is also active in Clonakilty TidyTowns, Clonakilty Parish Council, the Duchas Clonakilty Heritage Group, was a founding board member of the West Cork Model Railway Village and has offered his time as a volunteer to the Clonakilty 400 Celebration, Bennetts Biodiversity Garden, Clonakilty and District Lions Club and to Ukrainians since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
‘PILLAR’ OF THE COMMUNITY
John has also demonstrated a long-term commitment to local youth through his work on the boards of management for Knockskeagh National School and Sacred Heart Secondary School. He has also been honoured with a Conradh na Gaeilge award for his promotion of the Irish language.
Awards organiser, Manus O’Callaghan, commended John on his lifelong dedication to community service and his remarkable contributions to the area.
“John is a pillar of the Clonakilty community. I’m proud to offer him this Cork Person of the Month award as a token of appreciation for his work towards building a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in the town”, he said.
John Loughnan’s name will now go forward for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at the Annual Gala Awards Lunch in January 2027.
