Date: 13 Oct 2025
Final Countdown to the 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards
Donegal County Council will be hosting the 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards this Friday, 17th October at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana. This prestigious annual event honours members of the global Irish diaspora who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions to their fields while maintaining strong ties to their Irish heritage.
Named in memory of Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and grandson of Donegal emigrants, the awards celebrate the enduring connection between Ireland and its global community. Each year, the ceremony brings together leaders in culture, business, public service, and philanthropy whose work reflects the values of kinship, pride, and purpose that embodies the very best Ireland has to offer.
This year’s recipients exemplify the diversity and impact of the Irelands Global Community:
Danny Hutton
Born in Buncrana, County Donegal, Danny Hutton is best known as the founding member and lead vocalist of the iconic American rock band Three Dog Night. With over 50 million records sold and 21 consecutive Billboard Top 40 hits, Hutton helped shape the sound of a generation. His musical journey—from LA’s early folk-rock scene to global stardom—has always been rooted in his Irish identity. Today, he continues to perform and produce, with a new album Enter set for release this autumn.
Vincent Keaveny
Originally from Dublin with deep Donegal connections, Alderman Vincent Keaveny made history as the first Irish-born Lord Mayor of the City of London. A distinguished lawyer and civic leader, he has championed inclusion, sustainable finance, and socio-economic diversity across the UK’s financial services sector. His leadership has helped shape a more equitable and globally competitive industry, earning him a CBE in 2023. Vincent’s commitment to public service and his pride in his Irish roots make him a fitting honouree.
Seán and Eileen Donaghey
From Rashenny, Ballyliffin and Cockhill, Buncrana, Eileen and Seán Donaghey have spent the past 34 years in Sydney, Australia, where they’ve become beloved pillars of the Irish community. Through their award-winning restaurant Mulligans, they offered not just food but belonging—supporting generations of emigrants, promoting Irish culture, and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable causes. Their warmth, generosity, and tireless community spirit have left a lasting legacy across the Irish-Australian diaspora.
Speaking ahead of the event, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Paul Canning said:
“This year’s awardees reflect the very best of what it means to be Irish. Whether through civic leadership, cultural pride, or international achievement, each of them carries our country’s spirit with pride and purpose. It’s a particular honour to see individuals with such strong Donegal roots being recognised on the global stage, and we look forward to welcoming them to Buncrana this coming Friday.”
Tickets for the 2025 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards are now SOLD OUT! The incredibly talented Doireann Ní Ghlacáin will act as Master of Ceremonies as we celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Danny Hutton, Vincent Keaveny, and Eileen & Seán Donaghey — four remarkable ambassadors of Ireland’s Global Community.
