THE CHIEF executive of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group in the US, John Fitzpatrick, and the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers American football team, Daniel Rooney, have received an OBE and CBE, respectively.
Both men are being honoured for their exceptional contribution to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
Mr Fitzpatrick and Mr Rooney will receive the decorations from the British ambassador to the United States, Sir Nigel Sheinwald, at ceremonies in Washington in the near future, said a spokesman for the British embassy in Dublin last night.
Mr Fitzpatrick (47) said he was “hugely surprised and honoured” when told he was to become an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
He founded the Eithne and Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Foundation in 1993 to raise funds for Irish charities. The foundation has raised more than $1.3 million for distribution to charities through the American Ireland Fund.
Mr Rooney (76) has been awarded an honorary CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). He is co-founder of the American Ireland Fund and the Newry/Pittsburgh partnership.
Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward described the awards as a fitting recognition of the men’s contribution to securing lasting peace in Northern Ireland.