At a ceremony in Áras an Uachtaráin President Michael D. Higgins presented the 2022 Presidential Distinguished Service Awards.
The Awards are presented by the President every year, in recognition of the service given to this country, or to Irish communities abroad, by those who live outside Ireland.
The Awards were created in 2011, as a means to recognise the contribution of members of the Irish diaspora, and the first awards were presented by President Michael D. Higgins in 2012.
The 2022 recipients are
Arts, Culture and Sport
- Morgan Bullock (US)
- Katie-George Dunlevy (Britain)
- Joseph M. Hassett (US)
- Fergus Linehan (Britain)
Business and Education
- Wang Zhanpeng & Chen Li (China)
- Charitable Works
- Ciarán Staunton & Orlaith Staunton (US)
Irish Community Support
- Josephine O’Driscoll (Britain)
- Peace, Reconciliation and Development
- Mary Ellen McGroarty (Afghanistan)
- Fr. Richard (Dick) O’Riordan (South Africa)
Science, Technology and Innovation
- Teresa Lambe (Britain)
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic a number of recipients could not attend previous ceremonies. These recipients also received their Awards in 2022.
The 2021 recipients were
Science, Technology and Innovation
- Susan Hopkins (Britain)
The 2020 recipients were
Business and Education
- Michael J. Dowling (US)
Charitable Works
- Dermot O’Leary (Britain)
Throughout his term in office, President Higgins has emphasised the global nature of Ireland’s cultural heritage, the significance of the diaspora and the common history and identity we share “despite the borders, oceans and miles that may separate us”.
