Senate President Senator Therese Murray receiving this years Tip O'Neill Irish Diaspora Award from President of Ireland Mr Michael D. Higgins
On Friday night last the third Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award Ceremony was held in Buncrana, Co Donegal. Tip O’Neill’s lifetime achievements were acknowledged close to his grandparents place of birth. The ceremony was attended by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, guests from Ireland and friends and associates of award recipient President Murray as well as members of the O’Neill family from the United States.
The award was presented by President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins to the deserving Massachusetts State Senate, President Senator Therese Murray. Senator Murray has proven herself to be a worthy recipient by carving out a very successful career in the predominantly male world of, not just American politics, but politics in general. She has been a champion of welfare causes, mental health, children’s welfare and health, and the elderly. She has been the driving force behind many very worthy state reforms in Massachusetts and has always maintained her close links with the country of her heritage.
The selection of President Murray was welcomed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who acknowledged her leadership role in Massachusetts and her ongoing interest in and support for economic development in Ireland.
President Murray stated “I am humbled and honoured to be receiving the Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award, having the opportunity to further strengthen and create economic and academic links between Massachusetts and in the Northwest of Ireland not only solidifies our historic ties, but also allows us to build a new bridge of cutting edge technology and innovation. It is these new connections that will help spur discovery and development, provide inspiration and opportunity, and move Massachusetts and the Island of Ireland forward in this global economy. Where there is opportunity there is hope and where there is hope there is peace. Working together, we will achieve great things.”
Shelley and Tommy O'Neill, Son of the late Tip O'Neill with Senator Therese Murray recipient of this years Irish Diaspora Award, Michael O'hEanaigh, Donegal County Council, John Hume, Cllr. Nicholas Crossan, Leas Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council, Seamus Neely, Chief Executive Donegal County Council, Moya Brennan, MC at the Awards Ceremony and Cllr. John Campbell, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council.
On Saturday, Pat and Lynn O'Neill will present prizes to the winning entries in the third Tip O'Neill Irish Diaspora Schools Competition at the Sliabh Sneacht Centre in Drumfries. This was followed by the annual Tip O’Neill Diaspora Lecture which was given by Professor Michael Kennedy, Executive Editor of the Royal Irish Academy's Documents on Irish Foreign Policy series.
The lecture focused on the theme of American Military Overflights, Irish neutrality and the build-up to D-Day.
At the end of a memorable weekend the extended O’Neill clan were clearly delighted with the welcome they had received from those still living in the area where their great grandparents spent their formative years.
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