Mary Allen has been named among the recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards.
Actor Fionnula Flanagan, European Commission secretary general Catherine Day, author Thomas Keneally and Irish–American activist and publisher Niall O’Dowd were yesterday among those to be honoured alongside Mary Allen of London Irish Centre, with the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for 2014.
The award was established by the Government in 2011 as a means of recognising the contribution of the Irish diaspora to Ireland and its international reputation.
In the arts, culture and sport category, the winners were Fionnula Flanagan (US) and Thomas Keneally (Australia).
Mary Allen has been a key community worker for the Irish in London since she arrived in 1948, playing an active role in the London Irish Centre since its foundation in 1954. She has also supported the community through her work as a member and officer of both the Waterford Association and the overall Council of Irish Counties Association, raising thousands of pounds to help vulnerable Irish people and others in need.
Considered by the community as a “lay ambassador” for Ireland, for a number of years she was heavily involved in celebrating positive Irish culture through the London Irish Festival.
Irish in Britain CEO Jennie McShannon welcomed the award for Mary Allen who she described as a “stalwart of the Irish Community in London for decades.” She went on to say that “over the many years that she has worked tirelessly for the Irish Community in London she has helped thousands and touched the lives of generations of Irish across the city and beyond.”
Diaspora Voice advocate Martin Collins said “the President’s decision to award Niall O’Dowd will be welcomed throughout the diaspora. As publisher and driving energy for Irish America magazine and its New York–based sister weekly, The Irish Voice; Niall O’Dowd transformed the narrative of Irish America and set a gold standard for every other community newspaper. Quick to spot the potential of the internet age, his Irish Central site is an unbeatable source of worldwide information and opinion – a beacon that shines throughout the diaspora.
Niall O’Dowd’s deep understanding of the migrant experience was critical in developing a new sense of civic responsibility among business and community leaders. His comprehension of what was necessary and vision of what was possible created a critical mass of individuals prepared to put their reputation on the line to champion the cause of a viable peace process in Ireland. His optimism for an engaged diaspora is legendary. I am sure this recognition will spur him to even greater things.”
In the charitable works category, the winner was Fr PJ McGlinchey (Korea).
In the business and education category, winners were the late Jim Flaherty (Canada), Catherine Day (EU) and Colm McLoughlin (UAE).
In the Irish community support category, the winners were Mary Allen (Britain) and Avril Conroy (Russia).
For peace, reconciliation and development, the winners were Niall O’Dowd (US) and Kevin Cahill (US).
The awards will be presented next month.