Head of Communications at Cork Airport, Kevin Cullinane has been awarded the prestigious 2018 Unsung Hero of the Year award at the British-Irish Airports EXPO. The announcement was made at the Olympia London last night (Tuesday, 12 June), on the first day of the largest annual airport exhibition in Britain and Ireland.

The Unsung Hero Awards are awarded to employees of regional airports, large airports and suppliers by a popular vote, and recognise people who take pride in their work and deliver results.

On scooping the Unsung Hero of the Year award in the Airports Under 3 Million category, Kevin Cullinane said: “I’m humbled and honoured to win this award and be recognised by my peers across Ireland and the UK. I’m delighted to accept the award not only on my own behalf but in recognition of the larger team at Cork Airport. We are all committed to being one of the friendliest international airports in the world and to providing the best possible travel experience for every passenger flying from Cork Airport. Thank you to my colleagues for their nomination and to everyone who voted for me.”

Over 3,000 visitors will attend the third annual British-Irish Airports EXPO, which runs from 12-13 June. Hosted by Heathrow, there are over 60 speakers, and over 200 exhibitions. The awards took place at the EXPO’s Networking Reception. The fourfinalists shortlisted in the Airports Under 3 Million category were from Cork Airport, Belfast City Airport, Cornwall Airport Newquay, and Doncaster Sheffield.

Commending Kevin on his award, Cork Airport Managing Director Niall MacCarthy stated: “The Unsung Hero of the Year awards recognise excellence, professionalism, commitment, and passion, and Kevin is a thoroughly deserving recipient. He is a pivotal member of the Cork Airport team and I would like to congratulate Kevin on his success.”

Event Director, British-Irish Airports EXPO Paul J. Hogan added: “The British-Irish Airports Unsung Hero Awards acknowledge the hard work of airport staff who strive to make the ordinary outstanding on an everyday basis. Staff who deliver great results can make the difference between a good and a bad airport, and Kevin has been recognised for exactly this.

“Kevin is well-known throughout the aviation industry due to his energy and the supreme positive belief in what he does – last year his marketing and communications played a major part in his airport gaining its first-ever transatlantic service – something for him to be proud of, and we’re therefore extremely proud to be able to present him this acknowledgement for his relentless work.”