Call for nominations
Do you know an Irish person living in Britain, USA, Canada, Australia, Mainland Europe or anywhere in the globe (outside Ireland itself) who has given special service to Ireland or the Irish community locally there - be in in Great Britain, North America etc.?
The Irish Embassy in London has said that Nominations are open for the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish abroad.
The deadline for nominations for the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards is 6 August
https://bit.ly/2V6e9lm
Nomination forms to [email protected]
What is the Presidential Distinguished Service Awards
The Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad is presented by the President every year.
It recognises the service given to this country or to Irish communities abroad by those who live outside Ireland.
The Award is not an honours system. It doesn’t give the recipients any legal entitlements or benefits, including Irish citizenship.
Who to nominate?
Whether they’re Irish citizens, entitled to Irish citizenship or from an Irish background, the hard work, energy and dedication of nominees make a valuable contribution to people’s lives and are deserving of our thanks and respect.
Award recipient Mary Allen 2014 with President Michael D HigginsWho can be nominated?
Only people who live outside the island of Ireland can be nominated for the Award. They must have:
- Given distinguished service to Ireland and/or its reputation abroad
- Contributed to Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad in at least one of the categories listed below
- Supported and engaged with Ireland and/or its international reputation and/or Irish communities abroad for at least five years, or have made a sustained and distinguished service on a global or international issue of importance
While the scheme is open to all people living abroad, it is primarily aimed at Irish citizens, those entitled to Irish citizenship and persons of Irish descent, who have made a sustained and distinguished service to Ireland or Irish communities abroad, or on a global or international issue of importance.
Who decides on the nominations?
Nominations for the Award are made through our Embassy network, and are considered by a High Level Panel. The Panel recommends up to a total of 10 people every year from these nominations. The categories under which individuals can be nominated are:
- Arts, Culture and Sport;
- Business and Education;
- Charitable Works;
- Irish Community Support;
- Peace, Reconciliation and Development;
- Science, Technology and Innovation (additional category introduced in 2016).
The Panel then submits its recommendations to the Government for approval.
PDSA Award designed by Spear Product Design, made from Irish hardwoods at Galway-Mayo Institute of TechnologyLast year's Presidential Awards 2020 were awarded to the following:
2020 Awards
Arts, Culture and Sport
- Jack Charlton (deceased - Britain)
- James W. Flannery (US)
- Mitsuko Ohno (Japan)
- Fiona Shaw (Britain)
Business and Education
- Michael J. Dowling (US)
Charitable Works
- Sr. Louise Horgan (Thailand)
- Alice Kennedy (deceased – Britain)
- Dermot O’Leary (Britain)
Irish Community Support
- Loretta Cosgrove (Australia)
Peace, Reconciliation and Development
- William Duncan (The Netherlands)
- Sr. Patricia Murray (Italy)
- Fr. Kevin O’Hara (Nigeria)
Science, Technology and Innovation
- Michael Ryan (Switzerland)
- Dennis J. Slamon (US)
Nomination procedure and more Presidential Distinguished Service Award details here
