A POPULAR Cork councillor who is fighting cancer attended a civic reception in his honour yesterday to mark his 25th year as a public servant.
Independent councillor Dave McCarthy (65) was honoured for his contribution to Cork over the past quarter of a century.
Labour Party councillor Michael Ahern was among those who paid tribute to Mr McCarthy.
“He has worked like a demon for young people on the north side and he is very committed to the young people of the area,” Mr Ahern said. “His spirit is an example to us all.”
Mr McCarthy is a former lord mayor of Cork. He said serving as lord mayor was like “winning the All Ireland”.
Councillor and current lord mayor Mick O’Connell made the decision to award the civic reception to Mr McCarthy.
Mr McCarthy was initially a Fianna Fáil councillor but left the party three years ago after he failed to secure a nomination to run for the Dáil. In the local elections last year, he topped the poll in the northwest ward in Cork with 1,419 votes.
“Dave Mac”, as he is affectionately known, is now battling cancer.
In 2003 he received an award for bravery when he rescued two men from the river Lee. Mr McCarthy heard cries for assistance as he left a meeting at Cork College of Commerce. He climbed down the river wall and held the two men afloat for 20 minutes.