The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Simon Coveney, TD, today announced the names of the recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad for 2019.
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award was established by the Government following the 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum as a means to recognise the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora, and the first awards were made in 2012.
Announcing the recipients of the award, the Tánaiste said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity once again this year to formally recognise the achievements of some of the finest members of our global family, our diaspora.”
“The contribution of the Irish Abroad, in so many countries and in so many ways has been immense, and the range of their experiences and the contributions they have made can be seen in the diversity of this year’s award recipients.”
“In their own separate ways, each of these individuals have made a remarkable contribution to Ireland and our international reputation. I am deeply grateful for their service and commitment to this country.”
“This is the eighth year in which recipients have received this Award, and the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards remains a very important opportunity to acknowledge those who have contributed to realising Ireland’s place as an island at the centre of the world.”
Ciarán Cannon T.D., Minister for Diaspora Affairs and International Development, added:
“As Minister of State for the Diaspora, I am proud that we recognise all that our diaspora have done and continue to do. These twelve people show the remarkable diversity of Ireland’s reach in the world and signify the breadth and richness of our diaspora. The recipients include those working with the most marginalised and vulnerable, those who have become the voice for those who have none.”
“A total of 189 nominations were considered for the awards this year, and the level and breadth of the achievements of the people nominated are outstanding.”
The full list of recipients of the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards in 2019 is:
Arts, Culture and Sport
Ian Gibson (Spain)
Charlotte Moore and Ciaran O’Reilly (US)
Business and Education
Paul Drechsler (Britain)
Michael Kenneally and Rhona Richman Kenneally (Canada)
Charitable Works
Fr. Patrick Clarke (Brazil)
Bernard Lynch (Britain)
Irish Community Support
Jackie Donohoe (US)
Peace, Reconciliation and Development
Sally O’Neill Sanchez (deceased – Honduras)
Science and Technology
Jocelyn Bell Burnell (Britain)
William Howlett (Tanzania)
The Awards will be presented on 21 November 2019 by President Higgins.