Brother Ben awarded

The latest Cork Person of the Month award has been given to an educator for his contribution to youth mentoring.

Br Ben Cusack was principal of Sullivan’s Quay CBS from 1981-2006 and founded the school’s Edmund Rice Youth Club, better known as the Bro’s Club after Br Ben.

He realised that there was a need to respond to the needs of young people, not just in school but in out of school hours as well. Many generations, in some cases of the same families, have grown up with and attended the club, including members of bands like Sultans of Ping and Frank and Walters.

Awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan said: “Br Ben has many friends and huge support in the educational and sporting community here in Cork, particularly among past students and parents of Sullivan’s Quay CBS and all those associated with his famous youth club.”

In 1994, he received an honorary Masters degree from UCC to mark his contribution to young people and to education. He was also the recipient of a Lord Mayor’s Award from Cork City Council, which he received in 2005. Originally from Waterford, Br Ben is an avid sports fan, especially of Waterford hurling. Locally, he is also involved with St Finbarr’s GAA club.