The recipient of the third annual Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award has been announced. The award was established to recognise the achievements of members of the Diaspora in other countries and to celebrate the global impact of Irish people everywhere. This prestigious award has gone from strength to strength since its inception in 2011.This year’s award goes to the President of the Massachusetts State Senate and proud Irish-American, Senator Therese Murray.
Senator Therese Murray is set to receive the award on the weekend of the 12th September in Inishowen, Donegal. 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. A champion of the people, Senator Murray is a politician with a very large heart that has remained true to the traditional Irish values that were instilled in her from both her parents. Her father’s people hail from County Cork, and her mother’s from Limerick and Dublin. She will be attending the annual prize giving ceremony and the associated calendar of events which are held each year in Buncrana, in recognition of the Tip O’Neill’s Donegal roots and his impact on world affairs.
“I am humbled and honoured to be receiving the 3rd Tip O’Neill Diaspora Award,” said Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray. “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.”
Buncrana Town Manager, John McLaughlin also stated, “The importance of our Diaspora to Donegal cannot be overstated and we are committed to continuing to work to consolidate and further develop our links in this regard. The enthusiasm, commitment, and work ethic of our Diaspora has ingratiated them to their adopted nations, but we will continue to consider them as merely ‘being away for a while’, regardless of the generations that may have passed since.”
Previous recipients have been renowned journalist and social commentator and Editor of the Irish Voice and Irish Central, Niall O’Dowd (2012) and Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana (2013). This celebration of the Irish Diaspora has proven to be hugely successful and cements the links between Donegal and Irish people throughout the world. It is hugely important that these two cohorts of people maintain these strong bonds and that we can all take pride in the achievements of our Diaspora for many years to come.
Cllr. Peter McLaughlin, Mayor of Buncrana, stated “On behalf of the people of Buncrana, I am delighted to welcome the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award to our town and surrounding areas. I know that there will be a special Donegal welcome waiting for all attending in September and wish to extend our congratulations to Senator Therese Murray, a worthy recipient and a credit to our Diaspora”.
Cllr. Nicholas Crossan, Chairman of the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award commented “It gives me great pleasure to be once again associated with this prestigious prize-giving that continues to go from strength to strength. We, in Buncrana, have seen the fruits of this ceremony as we continue to forge the strong links between ourselves and our Diaspora in a positive manner that celebrates our shared history”.
Select an option below
