Former US president Bill Clinton will be honoured for his contribution to the Irish peace process at special dinner in New York.
Mr Clinton was chosen as a distinguished guest for the National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway gala dinner in recognition of the major role he played in brokering the Belfast Agreement.
Both he and American Ireland Fund chairwoman Loretta Brennan Glucksman were selected as guests of honour for the event for bringing peace and prosperity.
Chairman of NUI Galway’s US board Declan Kelly said they had both made huge contributions to the island.
“We are truly honoured to be able to recognise the remarkable contribution to Ireland and its people that both Loretta Brennan Glucksman and President Clinton have made in so many different ways over the past two decades,” he said.
“Loretta is indeed a most worthy honouree given her unique contribution to Irish academic life not only in Ireland itself but through the establishment and development of Glucksman Ireland House at New York University.
“President Clinton’s commitment to the securing of peace in Northern Ireland, and his friendship to Ireland as a whole throughout his political career, has been absolutely remarkable and we are deeply honoured to have been given the opportunity to recognise that contribution with his attendance at this year’s event.”
Mr Clinton is widely regarded as a key player in the peace process both during his eight year term as president and after he left office.
Third generation Irish-American Ms Brennan Glucksman spearheaded the American Ireland Fund’s Hope and History campaign which raised more than $100 million for Irish causes.
She also established Glucksman Ireland House, a centre for Irish studies at New York University, with her husband Lew.
The dinner, which last year honoured Irish actor Gabriel Byrne, is due to take place at the Metropolitan Club in November.
PA