Kieran McCarthy writes a weekly local heritage column for the Cork Independent, is the author of over 20 local history titles on Cork, and runs a heritage consultancy and walking tour company. He was awarded the Mary Mulvihill Publication/ Media Award, Industrial Heritage Association of Ireland, 2019 for The Little Book of Cork Harbour, and for championing cultural heritage. He has been an independent member of Cork County Council and is a member of the EU Committee of the Regions.