The two men who led the project to build a memorial in Belgium to the Irish soldiers who died in the first World War were jointly given the 1998 European of the Year award in Dublin yesterday.
Former Fine Gael TD Mr Paddy Harte and former UDA commander Mr Glenn Barr - who is now deeply involved in cross-Border community work - were joint chairmen of the Journey of Reconciliation Trust which brought about the construction of the Irish Round Tower and Island of Ireland Peace Park at Messines in Flanders.
The Peace Park and Round Tower were officially opened last November by the President, Mrs McAleese, in the presence of Queen Elizabeth and King Albert of Belgium.
The award was presented yesterday by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, at a ceremony attended by senior politicians, diplomats and figures from business and media. Both winners paid tribute to the Taoiseach yesterday, saying his support had been central to the success of the venture.
Mr Barr said that "for a Taoiseach to support the construction of a memorial in Belgium to Irish people who died in British uniforms takes a high level of courage." For a Taoiseach who was from the Fianna Fail party to do that took an even higher level of courage, he said.
Mr Harte also paid tribute to Mr Ahern, and said he was seeking support for further developments at the site of the Peace Park at Messines.
He thanked the many individuals and organisations who helped bring the project to fruition.
The Messines project is intended to commemorate those from the island of Ireland who died in the first World War. It also aims to provide a focal point for reconciliation among Irish people.