Winners of Presidential awards for Irish abroad named

Senator George Mitchell, former Intel chief executive Craig Barrett and Dr Anne Merriman have been named in the 2013 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad.

The awards are presented to those who have given distinguished service in the fields of peace-building, charitable work, business, education and arts culture and sport, among others.

The full list of award winners is as follows:

Peace, Reconciliation and Development: Senator George Mitchell of the United States and former US ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney. The citation said senator Mitchell was a “ visionary” for peace around the world, most notably in Northern Ireland. It said Mr Rooney was “led both sides to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998”.

Business and Education: Craig Barrett (United States) and John Martin of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (France). The citation said Mr Barrett guided efforts to attract high-tech foreign direct investment in Ireland, while Mr Martin had brought an “abiding contribution” of ensuring social policy was at the centre of economic analysis and policy work at the OECD.

Arts, Culture and Sport: Mick Moloney (United States). The citation said Mr Moloney who holds a Ph.D. in folklore and folklife from the University of Pennsylvania, had done much to promote Irish culture. He is the author of Far From the Shamrock Shore: The story of Irish American History Through Song.

Charitable Works: Anne Merriman (Uganda) and Sr Cyril Mooney (India). the citation said Ms Merriman spent 30 years working in Africa, including 10 as a Missionary Doctor in Nigeria and 20 in Uganda. She has also worked in South East Asia and in the UK and Ireland. Sr Cyril Mooney (India)travelled to India in 1956 and has been working tirelessly in the areas of social justice and education. She is the only Irish citizen to have been awarded the Padma Shri Award, one of India’s highest awards.

Irish Community Support: Mary Tilki (UK), Seamus McGarry (UK) and Rodney Walshe (New Zealand). Dr Tilki, was highly qualified and equally ambitious to address inequalities relating to Irish people’s health in the UK.

Seamus McGarry founded or supported numerous Irish welfare and cultural organisations. He helped establish the Federation of Irish Societies and chaired the organisation for 10 years.

Rodney Walshe (NZ)served Ireland with distinction as Honorary Consul General in New Zealand for 37 years. He is a dedicated supporter of Irish interests and has built up a busy consulate which has provided comprehensive support to the Irish community.

The awards were established by the Government after the 2011 global Irish economic forum. In order to be eligible for consideration, nominees must be habitually resident outside the island of Ireland and have rendered significant service to the State and its people.