Actress and entertainer Norma Sheahan has been named Cork Person of the Month for October in recognition of her outstanding career and contributions to the Irish arts and entertainment industry.
The award places Sheahan in contention for the overall Cork Person of the Year title, which will be decided at an annual gala awards lunch on January 29th, 2027, at The Metropole Hotel. Awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan presented the October trophy, describing Sheahan as a tremendous ambassador for Cork who displays extraordinary versatility and talent.
The October Cork Award and Career Milestones
- Norma Sheahan received the October Cork Person of the Month award from organiser Manus O’Callaghan.
- Her screen credits span major Irish projects including The Young Offenders, Kneecap, Bodkin, and Moone Boy.
- She remains in the running to capture the Cork Person of the Year accolade during the Annual Gala Awards Lunch scheduled for January 29th, 2027, at The Metropole Hotel.
Born in Whitechurch, Sheahan began her early training at the Montfort College of Performing Arts and the Cork School of Music. She made her acting debut at just 11 years old playing Little Red Riding Hood in a Cork Opera House pantomime, later attending secondary school at St Angela’s College on Patrick’s Hill before graduating from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London with a diploma in acting in 2000.
Early on in her theatrical journey, she captured attention by winning the Best Actress award at the 2000 Dublin Theatre Festival for her portrayal in Enda Walsh’s Bedbound. Over her career, she has taken on high-profile theatrical roles including Sive and The Vagina Monologues, alongside her current national tour playing the title role in Shirley Valentine.
On screen, Sheahan has built a diverse resume featuring television and film projects such as The Clinic—where she appeared alongside best friend Amy Huberman—as well as Moone Boy, The Dry, Bodkin, and the recent season of The Young Offenders, in which she played barrister Mollie O’Molloy. She also featured in the IFTA- and BAFTA-award-winning film Kneecap.
| Project / Venture | Role or Contribution | Timing / Context |
|---|---|---|
| The Young Offenders | Barrister Mollie O’Molloy | Most recent television season |
| Kneecap | Featured cast member | IFTA- and BAFTA-award-winning film |
| It’s Wine O’Clock | Comedy show | Nationwide touring across 2025 and 2026 |
| Middle Rage | Podcast co-host with Jennifer Zamparelli and Sharon Mannion | Live show at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre on Sunday, 25th October |
Expanding beyond traditional acting, Sheahan has toured her comedy show It’s Wine O’Clock nationwide through 2025 and 2026. She also co-hosts the Middle Rage podcast alongside Jennifer Zamparelli and Sharon Mannion, tackling topics such as divorce, ageing, and perimenopause. The trio performed a live episode of the podcast at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre on Sunday, 25th October.
Her philanthropic work includes winning Celebrity Ireland’s Fittest Family alongside her family members in 2019. She directed her €10,000 grand prize to Cork’s ARC Cancer Support House, which provides assistance to people living with cancer and their loved ones.
Following her recognition as the October recipient, Sheahan’s name advances alongside other monthly winners for potential selection as Cork Person of the Year at the upcoming Annual Gala Awards Lunch.
