He was honoured for mental health advocacy and storytelling
Pictured at the awards presentation were rear (L/R): Paul Fleming, Daragh’s father and Anthony O’Donovan, Awards Sponsor. Front (L/R): Ann-Marie O’Sullivan, AM O’Sullivan PR; Daragh Fleming, May Person of the Month; and Emily Corbett, Metropole Hotel/Trigon Hotels.
Acclaimed poet, author and mental health advocate Daragh Fleming has been named Cork Person of the Month for May. The Glounthaune man was recognised for his work, sparking important conversations around mental wellbeing.
Daragh has built a devoted audience in Ireland and internationally through his honest and often deeply personal writing. He is best known for his viral poem ‘If I Ever Have Boys’, a powerful reflection on masculinity, vulnerability and emotional expression that resonated with readers across the world.
Its follow-up, ‘If I Ever Have Girls’, further cemented his reputation as a writer unafraid to tackle complex issues around gender, identity and empowerment.
Daragh has become one of Cork’s most recognisable literary voices in recent years. Alongside his poetry, he has published several acclaimed books, including his debut non-fiction collection ‘Lonely Boy* and his latest essay collection, ‘A Brief Inhalation’, released in 2025.
His award-winning blog ‘Thoughts Too Big’ and podcast ‘Thoughts Too Loud’ have also earned praise for their unique blend of humour, honesty and insight, offering support and connection to people navigating their own mental health journeys.
Beyond the page, Daragh is a sought-after speaker and advocate. He has delivered talks at festivals, schools, universities and workplaces across the country, encouraging conversations around creativity, wellbeing and emotional resilience. In 2023, he delivered an award-nominated TEDx Talk exploring the positive impact creativity can have on mental health.
He has also spoken at University College Cork, Amazon and the West Cork Literary Festival, sharing his experiences and encouraging others to engage openly with mental health issues.
Awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan said Daragh’s influence extends far beyond the literary world.
“Daragh represents a vital new voice in Cork’s literary scene. His moving *If I Ever Have Boys* and his wider advocacy for mental health awareness has touched the hearts of people across the city and county,” he said.
“We’re proud to honour his work and his commitment to mental health awareness through this Cork Person of the Month award.”
The recognition places Daragh among a growing list of monthly award recipients whose work has made a significant impact on life in Cork.
His name will now go forward alongside the other monthly winners for consideration for the prestigious Cork Person of the Year title, which will be announced at the annual Gala Awards Lunch in January 2027.
For Daragh, whose writing has consistently championed openness, empathy and connection, the honour marks another significant milestone in a career that continues to inspire readers and audiences both at home and abroad.