THE LATE AUSSIE RULES superstar Jim Stynes and philanthropist Chuck Feeney are to be among the first recipients of a new presidential award recognising the achievements of Irish people overseas.
The first recipients of the President Distinguished Service Award were announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday.
The new awards were conceived at the Global Irish Economic Forum in Farmleigh last year, and are intended to honour those living overseas who have enhanced Ireland’s reputation among the people of their adopted countries.
President Michael D Higgins said each of the nominees had “distinguished themselves by the long-standing service they have given to Ireland and to the Irish community abroad.
“I congratulate them on their success and look forward to presenting each recipient with their Award in November,” the President said.
“We are honouring individuals who, in their own separate ways, have made a remarkable contribution to this country,” Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said.
“I made a commitment at the 2011 Global Irish Economic Forum to establish an Award system which would provide formal recognition by the Irish State to individuals resident abroad. The Award will now be presented on an annual basis.”
President Higgins said he welcomed the government’s initiative in setting up the awards, which would provide “an important way in which such service can be formally recognised on an ongoing basis”.
The awards will be presented at an official event at Áras an Úachtaráin on November 15.
Arts, Culture and Sport
Business and Education
Charitable Works
Irish Community Support
Peace, Reconciliation and Development
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