IRISH ACTOR Liam Neeson has received a prestigious award from President Michael D Higgins today for his contribution to the country and humanity.
Neeson was presented with the Presidential Distinguished Service Award by President Higgins at Aras an Uachtarain.
Receiving the honour in Dublin, the Irish actor revealed that he was wary of giving public addresses.
"My fear, and it's a genuine fear, is public speaking.
"Everyone says 'oh, you're an actor, you should be good at that.' It's just not true," he said.
The award highlights the outstanding work by Irish people living overseas across a range of areas, from sport to science, charity or community support.
The Taken star, who appeared slightly emotional as he received the award, said he was "honoured" and "very humbled".
He said he would continue to "fly the flag for Irish arts" and the charity Unicef, of which he is a goodwill ambassador.
Quote from the President's remarks, presenting the Presidential Distinguished Service Award to Liam Neeson.
See https://t.co/1S4lh6pMlx pic.twitter.com/15X5OM4IUW— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) January 12, 2018
President Higgins described the Ballymena native as a "splendid Irish man abroad" and a "worthy recipient" of the award.
"We started the awards in 2012 to give recognition to the contribution of Irish people living abroad who have made a distinguished contribution, not just to Ireland, but to humanity in general.
"And indeed, that is the case in the case of Liam Neeson", he said.
The awards were first launched in 2012 by Mr Higgins to acknowledge that the Irish family “is not defined by national borders or territories”. It is for Irish people abroad who are making a contribution to humanity, the President explained.
“It is defined by care, compassion, a common culture and a consciousness of our historical experience.”
He recalled that in April last year he presented the Ballymena-born actor with an award for outstanding contribution to cinema.
Neeson had been to the forefront, the President said, in promoting Irish film in the 1990s when the industry in Ireland received a “second wind”.
He also acknowledged Neeson’s role during the commemorations to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising. He had been the narrator of the University of Notre Dame documentary 1916: The Irish Rebellion, which was screened worldwide.
Above all, Mr Higgins said he wanted to acknowledge Neeson’s contribution as a goodwill ambassador for Unicef for the last 20 years.
The Hollywood star will appear alongside former White House Communications Director Sean Spicer tonight on The Late Late Show.
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